A GLASGOW politician is braving his first ever 10k race to raise cash for an “inspirational” community champion.

Stewart McDonald, SNP MP for Glasgow South is bracing himself for the formidable St Vincent Street hill as he prepares to take on the Great Scottish Run 6.2 mile race in just over a week.

The politician is raising funds for the Glasgow Gladiators Power Chair Football Club, who are based in his constituency.

The group runs a fast-paced team sport for people of all ages who use a powered wheelchair.

The MP was inspired by club member Edward Kirkwood, a former Evening Times Community Champion award winner who is a familiar sight on the streets of the south side, where he picks up litter.

He will be running alongside staff at his constituency office, including one member who has pledged to run 6.2 miles at the same time as the race, in Majorca.

The Glasgow politician is hoping to raise £500 for the club and is almost half-way to achieving his target.

He said: “I started training about three weeks ago.

“I go to the gym and I’m in decent nick but running has never been my thing.
“I did the Santa Dash 5k last year and it didn’t kill me so it shouldn’t be too bad.

“Edward lives in the south side and spends a lot of time picking up litter in the Shawlands and Queen’s Park area.

“We just thought it would be nice to do this for him and the club when he is doing so much for the community.

“If I can do it in an hour I would be very happy but really shocked too.”
Scotland’s biggest festival of running on October 1-2 includes a toddler dash, junior 2.5k run, family mile, 10k and half marathon.

To enter any of the other events go to www.greatscottishrun.com/
To sponsor Stewart go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/GlasgowSouth10KRun