Bryan cashes in despite New York marathon blow
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
DESPITE his plan to run the New York marathon in tribute to his friend being blown away due to last year’s superstorm, a Wick Academy footballer still managed to raise a four figure sum for charity.
Bryan McKiddie, along with his pal Graham McLeod, had planned to take part in the event in the Big Apple on behalf of their friend Greg Shearer, who was diagnosed with leukaemia at the beginning of last year.
But the event coincided with the arrival of Superstorm Sandy, which led to widespread disruption in the city and to the race being cancelled.
But due to a hastily organised event involving a 17-mile run around Central Park, Bryan was able to get his running shoes on and raise £1588.
He said the duo had originally planned to run the event with Greg in 2012 as they had previously done together in 2010.
Despite Greg not being able to take part, Bryan (22) said he and Graham wanted to do the race in tribute to their friend and those who had cared for him while he was being treated in Inverness.
"We ran in the New York Marathon three years ago, but as Greg was receiving treatment for leukaemia he obviously couldn’t take part. While he was being treated I went to visit him, and when I saw the care he was receiving I decided that I’d try and raise money for him.
"When we got there it was obvious why the marathon was cancelled as they needed the manpower to help clean up the city. I was gutted as it seemed a kind of wasted trip and a lot of training and sponsorship money had been raised for nothing.
"But I really couldn’t be too angry given what people were suffering in the city. But I did get to take part in the rearranged event at Central Park."
The money has been donated to Ward 2C at Raigmore Hospital which assisted Greg during his treatment. Greg has made an excellent recovery and was able to turn out for Wick Groats in last summer’s Highland Cup final. He is currently playing for North Caledonian League side Thurso FC
