A BANK worker from Musselburgh is set for a half marathon in the garden of his home to raise funds for First Step, which works with families with young children.

Stephen Ferguson, 32, who has asthma, decided to undertake the challenge as he is currently ‘shielding’ for 12 weeks after receiving advice from the NHS amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

He is no stranger to half marathons, having completed three in the past – Glentress Trail, Edinburgh and, most recently, Stirling.

This time round he is planning to take his treadmill outside on June 14, and hopes to finish his ‘garden’ half marathon – 13.1 miles – in about two hours.

He might even attempt the full marathon distance of 26.2 miles in four hours if he can raise enough money for First Step, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

Mr Ferguson, who works with the Royal Bank of Scotland in Haddington, lives on Musselburgh’s Galt Crescent, near First Step in Galt Avenue, and was inspired to take on the fundraising challenge as his three-year-old son Cormac enjoys attending its nursery.

He said: “My wife and son also attended baby classes there, so, from when he was a newborn, he has been involved with First Step.

“All the staff there are amazing and it is more like a family than a nursery. My son gets so excited about going there on a daily basis to see his friends and teachers.

“I have seen first hand what First Step does for the community. They are a vital asset to Musselburgh and the surrounding areas.”

Originally from Omagh in Northern Ireland, Mr Ferguson has lived in Scotland since October 2013, and married his wife Louise last October.

He also has a step daughter, Aaliyah, who is approaching her 14th birthday.

He said: “At the moment I am shielding for 12 weeks, as advised to by the NHS.

“I felt this would be a good opportunity to do something worthwhile and raise some money for charity. I know a lot of smaller charities may be struggling now so it’s a no brainer really.”

His past half marathons have raised £835 for Asthma UK, a charity close to his heart, and £590 for Marie Curie because of the care his late aunt received from its nurses.

He is being helped with his training by Junior Burton of JB Combat Bootcamp, Wallyford.

Mr Ferguson explained: “Junior Burton and JB Combat Bootcamp have supported me through all these events and helped me improve my quality of life through my fitness, which has improved my asthma undoubtedly.

“He has set me up with an online training plan and has given me extra work to do to help with my marathon training.

“I have attended Junior’s bootcamp for around five years now.”

Mr Ferguson has set a fundraising target of £500, adding: “I would love to smash that and raise at least £1,000.”

First Step was set up in 1990 by a group of local parents who wanted somewhere safe and comfortable where they could meet and their children could play.

The initiative has developed its services to meet local needs while continuing to be managed by a community-led management committee and employing a staff team to support local families.

To donate to Mr Ferguson’s challenge, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stephen-ferguson-3