A MACMERRY man is taking part in his first-ever marathon in a bid to help students travelling to Cambodia to do their bit for youngsters and communities in the Asian country.

Ryan Strachan will pound the streets next weekend when he joins thousands of competitors on the start line of the London Marathon.

Ryan, who is vice-president of representatives and volunteers at Napier Students Association, Edinburgh Napier University, will lead 24 students to the Asian country in July.

They will spend three weeks carrying out various volunteer operations before returning home.

The students at the university are studying a variety of courses and come from across the country, from Inverness to Falkirk, and include one from Haddington.

Ryan said: “Through my job I had the opportunity to lead an expedition to Cambodia.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity for the students and I recruited 24 last year.

“They have been fundraising for the expedition and the charity, Future Sense Foundation.” The organisation supports international development through charity fundraising.

The charity helps in eight countries: Cambodia, Ecuador, Chile, Tanzania, India, Sri Lanka, Romania and Nepal.

Each of the students has to raise £2,250 ahead of the trip, with fundraising starting last October.

Ryan said: “Because it is such a big group, there is a lot being laid on for us. We will be teaching English and helping round schools and volunteering in orphanages, maintenance and repairs on schools and roofing.

“We will be building drainage ditches for them and we are going to be organising a big sports tournament between the different villages – so we are going to be busy.” The 25-year-old has vowed to do his bit to help the students fund the trip and set himself the ambitious target of raising £2,500 ahead of the marathon next Saturday (April 25).

Edinburgh Napier University has agreed to match fund any money raised up to that point.

Ryan, of Annfield Court, was counting down until taking to the start line and passing world-famous landmarks including Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace.

He said: “This is my first marathon and probably my last to be honest!

“You don’t usually get the chance to do something like this free and I thought if I could do something as big as this then I have just got to jump at the chance.

“Training is going well, it’s tough though.” Donate at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/rslondonmarathon