A CITY footballer’s ‘small fundraising event’ to support people with cancer has gone global.

Run the Hill, which takes place this weekend, now has hundreds of participants joining in as far away as America and Australia.

Iain Brown, who plays for Jordanhill Amateur Football Club, was inspired by close friends and family who had received treatment from the Beatson in Glasgow.

“My cousin Christine had breast cancer, and the way the Beatson supported her was really inspiring,” he explained.

“I thought we could do a small sponsored run event to help the charity, but in the last couple of weeks it has gone absolutely crazy.

“We have people taking part all over the world and the money keeps going up. It has already surpassed my wildest dreams.”

Run the Hill is asking people to walk, run or cycle over the weekend of June 27 and 28. All miles will be registered and totalled up – the aim is to cover 3000 miles from Glasgow to New York, via Selkirk, Edinburgh, Belfast and Skye and to raise thousands of pounds for the Beatson Cancer Charity in the process.

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“The original aim was to cover 800 miles, taking in places that meant a lot to the club,” explained Iain, who is a pupil support teacher at Eastwood High.

“But we had so much support we decided to extend it. In the last 24 hours alone I’ve had 100 teachers signing up. I’m so grateful to everyone who has got on board.”

US comedian and movie critic Mark Ellis has agreed to take part.

Glasgow Times:

“I have been a big fan of Mark’s for years so it felt slightly surreal to hear from him that he was going to join us,” smiled Iain, who is from Tradeston.

Full details of how to take part and how to make sure your miles count are available on Run the Hill’s Facebook page.

Iain added: “I have played for Jordanhill AFC for 10 years and it’s a brilliant club. We have a phenomenal bunch of young lads who are determined to do their best not just for the club but also for the wider Glasgow community.

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“I’m so proud of them all. It’s been hard work bringing all this together but it’s been amazing to have so much support.

“I really hope as many people as possible will get involved - it doesn’t matter if you walk a mile or run a marathon - it will all go towards helping a brilliant charity.”