A FITNESS fanatic who has run two marathons, and 55 consecutive 5k runs, will undertake the workout challenge of a lifetime tomorrow (Friday) to raise money and awareness for his friend’s cancer campaign.
Tranent’s Ross Clyde will put his stamina to the test in a 12-hour, non-stop gym challenge at Fountain Spa and Leisure Club at Kings Manor Hotel in Edinburgh, with workout sessions running from 7am to 7pm.
The 39-year-old, originally from Edinburgh, has lived in Tranent since 2006, where he met fundraiser Johnnie Meechan.
Johnnie’s awareness and fundraising campaign, Johnnie’s Journey, was set up following his NET cancer diagnosis six years ago, and has since raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity and fronted its own football team.
A number of the Johnnie’s Journey team have taken part in fundraising adventures – William Turner pedalled Mont Vertoux in France, while team member Barry walked from North Queensferry to North Berwick in aid of the cause.
Now, Ross says, it’s his turn.
The 12-hour challenge will push the Richard F Mackay worker to his limits as he tumbles through six studio classes – two spin, two pilates, one zumba and one body combat – and races through four 5k runs on the treadmill, alongside numerous other gym activities.
He said: “I’ve been active my whole life. I’ve always been playing football or running when I was younger – running mostly as I was always late for school.
“The running I continued into my adult years, which I still get much enjoyment from today.
“I have run two Edinburgh Marathons, countless half-marathons, and 10ks and 5ks.
“It was one of the years I had signed up for the Scottish Half Marathon. I contacted Johnnie to ask his permission to run it for Johnnie’s Journey, with all donations going to it.
“He very kindly said yes, said it was a great idea, and that’s how it all began.”
Bonding over football
The Tranent men have been close for about 12 years, first crossing paths through mutual friends before bonding over football, with Ross adding: “It felt like we had known each other for years.”
Ross has since dedicated himself to running half-marathons for Johnnie’s Journey and, in 2019, took on an epic challenge to run 55 5ks consecutively from November 1 to December 25, which he said was “a privilege to do”.
Ross thanked his gym – at Kings Manor Hotel – for its support in welcoming his challenge with open arms.
He said: “The gym is my passion. I don’t drink or smoke. The gym is my pub, my nightclub. I spend a lot of my time in there. I’m usually there six days a week.
“However, this is not about me. It’s about Johnnie’s Journey. I’ve never been in this for self-gain or popularity. It’s always been about the Journey and NET cancer.”
Ross’s challenge will coincide with the Johnnie’s Journey football team JJ NET Busters playing a match in the evening.
Johnnie added: “It will be the last event for four months or so as I need to take some time for my own health issues, which are taking their toll.”
Prizes are on offer for those who donate to Ross’s challenge, including signed Six Nations Scotland shirts, Hearts and Hibs kits, and a £50 tattoo voucher.
Every £5 donated to the fundraiser will equal one raffle entry.
Johnnie added: “We will make sure Ross has gym buddies to push and motivate him throughout the day, feed him and help us promote the event through social media and within the complex itself.
“We can’t thank them enough.”
To donate to Ross’s challenge, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ross12hrjj
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