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A team of runners raised £2700 for Strathcarron Hospice during a relay megathon in which participants collectively clocked up 120 kilometres.

The social distancing-compliant event took place on Saturday morning as 29 members of the Jog Scotland Denny Group ran 4-6k loops around the town in aid of the palliative and end of life care service.

Spanning across 12 hours, the fundraiser saw participants set off every 30 minutes before passing over to the next runner with a waveover rather than a handover.

Group leader Keith ‘The Jogfather’ McDevitt said: “It went from the seed of an idea, to keep members motivated, to completion in just over a week.

Michelle Skelton warms up before her 7am time slot for the start of Jog Scotland Denny relay megathon charity run for Strathcarron Hospice. Picture: Michael Schofield. | Other 3rd Party

“An awesome effort from the team who really got behind it, as did their amazing family and friends. We were completely blown away with the fantastic sponsorship support.”

Anne France, of Strathcarron Hospice, heard about the event from a friend, Michelle Skelton, who was also the first runner of the day.

Anne said: “As a charity, it’s tough at the best of times fundraising.

“We need £13,000 every day to keep Strathcarron running and care for our patients and their families, keeping all our services right across Forth Valley available for anyone who needs us.

Keith 'The Jogfather' McDevitt completes the final time slot for the Jog Scotland Denny relay megathon for Strathcarron Hospice. Picture: Michael Schofield. | Other 3rd Party

“As with every charity, Covid-19 has taken its toll. Our donations, which we rely heavily upon, have all but stopped due to cancelled events and all other donations diminishing.

“Whilst we all need to be safe, we’ll be there as long as our patients and services need us to be.

“To hear about this social distancing megathon was amazing, such determination and dedication from everyone involved. Thank you all so very very much.”

Bringing the event to a close, Keith said: “I was glued to my phone all day as the members posted their run updates on our Facebook page.

“It was meant to be a fun run but the team were putting in some storming times with personal bests popping up left, right and centre.

“As team leader and last member out, the pressure was on for ‘The Jogfather’ to put in a decent run. It was hard graft and the relief was evident on my face with the job done.”

Strathcarron is just over £30,000 away from a £200,000 fundraising target it has set during the Covid-19 crisis.

To donate, visit the hospice’s website.

Denny runners clock up 120k and £2700 for Strathcarron Hospice