A COURAGEOUS Largs man has raised more than £13,000 for a cancer charity in memory of his late dad after running 96 miles in his memory.

Stewart Penny, 26, had planned to run in aid of the Beatson Cancer Charity for several years after dad John was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018.

When his father lost his brave battle in August, Stewart was more determined than ever to do something special in tribute to him.

Stewart said: “I started running around three years ago and had taken part in marathons, but my dream was always to run the West Highland Way.

“When my dad was diagnosed, I thought it would be good to run for the Beatson because he was getting treatment there at the time.

“Sadly the treatment didn’t go well and he passed away on August 28, just a month before I was due to run.

“For a few weeks I was wondering if I would be able to go through with it, but I knew that I had to do it for him.”

John was a well-known face in Largs and Stewart says he was renowned for his 'infectious laughter'.

He said: “My dad was a really popular man in the town.

“He was just one of those people that everyone recognised and would talk to, he had a great personality and was always laughing.

“He thought I was nuts for doing the challenge, he called me a lunatic because he was not into fitness in the slightest.

“He was happier in The Three Reasons and The Anchor Inn. His funeral was packed with people who loved him.”

Stewart set off on his 96-mile challenge on Friday and reached the finishing point in Fort William just 28 hours later after running through the night.

He said: “I don’t think I sat down or rested for any longer than ten minutes at a time.

“I survived on Pot Noodles and cans of Coke - after 12 hours of running your body just goes into survival mode.

“I had no sleep at all but I just knew I had to keep going until I couldn’t run any more.

“The last 15 miles were incredible. I had three guys from the local search and rescue team who ran with me to the finish.

“I've never felt so proud as I did at the end. What I have achieved still hasn’t really sunk in yet to be honest.”

Stewart says he has received donations from around the world - including a special gesture from a close friend in Largs.

He explained: “The amount that’s been raised is absolutely amazing, I had no idea so many people would believe I could do it.

“I started off with a target of £1,000 and that just kept increasing as the donations kept coming in.

“I have to give a special mention to Laura Freel in The Three Reasons who donated a whole month’s tips.

“It’s one of the most generous things I’ve ever heard of, and I can’t thank her enough for such a selfless act."

You can still donate to Stewart’s fundraiser at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/stewart-penny