A TEACHER from Peebles admits he was too fast in his first, and probably last, mountain marathon.

Inspirational Richard Edge marked the tenth anniversary of a life-threatening brain haemorrhage by tackling the gruelling Glencoe Marathon.

The course included more than 1,600 metres of climbing, taking in the fearsome Devil’s Staircase as well as the Aonach Eagach Ridge and Glen Nevis.

Heavy rain and strong gusts made the 26.2 miles along exposed ridges and rough terrain even more difficult.

But the 36-year-old PE teacher at Priorsford Primary beat his family and friends to the finishing line in Fort William - and had to recreate his last few strides for cameras a short time later.

Richard told us: "My wife, children and mum as well as a few mates had come up to support me.

"They had banners, balloons and even Champagne to surprise me at the finishing line.

"I had set myself a target time of around five-and-a-half-hours and with the weather being so bad I expected to take even longer.

"But I got to the finishing line in five hours - before anyone was there to greet me.

"When everyone arrived I had to do the run to the finishing line again so they could take a few photos."

Richard was in a coma for almost a fortnight after collapsing in the playground at Caddonfoot Primary School on October 31, 2007.

Only emergency surgery at Edinburgh's Western General Hospital saved the former footballer's life.

Following the subarachnoid haemorrhage Richard was in a drug-induced coma for 12 days and remained in hospital for a further three months

Through specialist rehab help and encouragement at the Astley Ainslie Hospital Richard he was gradually able to regain the use of his legs and his speech.

As a thank you a decade on Richard set himself a fundraising target of £1,000 for the Edinburgh hospital by completing what is regarded as Scotland's toughest marathon.

The dad-of-two not only reached his target but managed to fundraise close to £6,000.

Richard added: "I am overwhelmed by the amount of support I've had from friends, staff here at the school, pupils and everyone else who has donated.

"Members of staff at Priorsford even organised a race night to help towards the total.

"It's been an incredible response and I'll be extremely proud when I can hand over the cheque to the Astley Ainslie Hospital."

Richard's watch told him he'd completed the epic Glencoe Mountain Marathon in 4.57.00 hours - but his official time was given as 5.00.09.

He was waved off from the Glencoe starting line by wife, Lisa, daughters, Emily and Elsie, mum, Christine, and several mates from Peebles.

To support Richard's fundraising effort go to mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/richardedge1