PEEBLES man Steve Murray along with three of his friends has raised £5,665.48 for the Alec Lucas Memorial Trust, by running a marathon around the town.

The four men decided to undertake the challenge on October 30, despite the heavy rain, as that day marked the 10th anniversary of the unexpected and tragic death of Steve’s father, Steve ‘Scouse’ Murray at the age of 56.

Steve told the Peeblesshire News: “My dad was my hero, and I can’t put into words how difficult his passing has been for me. I still think about him every day and get upset thinking about the things he’s missed out on being a part of. Coming up to this particular anniversary, I knew I wanted to do something to commemorate his life and to make him proud.”

The Murray’s moved to the Borders 20 years ago and were neighbours of the Lucas family so the decision to make the Alec Lucas Memorial Trust their chosen charity was an easy one.

The Trust was started by in memory of the 24-year-old Royal Marine Commando who was killed in action in Kajaki, Afghanistan on November 24, 2008 and has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Steve continued: “The Lucas family were our neighbours in Whitehaugh Park, I have known them since moving to Peebles from Liverpool in 2000.  Alec was our first babysitter, and we’d have him playing football in the garden for hours. Dad was very fond of Alec, having gotten to know him better through drinking in the Crown, and I know he would be fully behind this choice of charity. 

“When I first started drinking in the pubs, Alec always made a point of coming over for a chat, checking I was alright, and buying me a bevy. He didn’t have to do that, but it was reassuring to know you had an ally in the pub when you didn’t know many people. Raising money for his charity is an honour.

“Initially we hoped to raise £2,000 and didn’t expect to raise over £5,000.”

Alec's father Adrian added: "On behalf of the Fund I'd like to offer huge congratulations to Steve, Richard, Finlay and Duncan for a fantastic effort. The money raised will go to the Royal Marines charities to support serving and retired Royal Marines, of which Alec was a proud member."

The other runners were Richard Harragan, Finlay Moffat and Duncan McPherson.

Anyone wishing to donate can do so at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/StephenMurray36 before November 30.