A FORMER Junior footballer is hoping to score a bumper cash boost for charity in memory of a much-loved Glasgow mum.
Darryl Naismith will run between every professional stadium in the city and climb seven Munros to honour his mother Laura, who passed away in 2014, at the age of 38.
Laura, who took her own life, is much missed by the 25-year-old and the one time St Roch’s FC player has been keen to remember her in a meaningful way.
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Darryl said: “My mum passed away a number of years ago and I have always wanted to do something in her memory.
“I got a tattoo at the start of this year in memory of her and this then just came suddenly.
“I have been thinking of doing something for a while and maybe something to do with sports. With lockdown I have just been thinking about it more and more.”
He knew he had hit upon the perfect idea when he was introduced to mental health charity SAMH and all the proceeds from his fundraiser will go to that worthy cause.
At the end of next month, he will run between Hampden Park, Ibrox Stadium, Firhill, and finally Celtic Park – a total of 11 miles – before taking on the seven Munros of the South Glen Shiel Ridge.
The second half of the challenge, due to take place in June, will see Darryl and a group of mates – sticking to all Covid rules – climb 5830 feet.
“It’ll be a good way to get all my mates back together,” Darryl, who spent nearly five years at James McGrory Park, said. “To get out and do something. It’s a wee event and for a good cause.
“Maybe they won’t have seen one another in a wee while but this is something we can go out and achieve.
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“I’ve never really run this far so I know the challenge is going to be difficult.”
The factory worker added: “I just hope we can raise as much money as we can together and to help people struggling. It can be anything.
“You are not alone and there is always someone out there you can talk to.
“Speak to someone about it.”
To support Darryl’s fundraiser, visit here.
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