A Moray fun-runner who died weeks after completing his final race has been nominated for a top charity award.
Michael Millns had suffered from Parkinson’s disease for 12 years when he defied the odds to complete the Moray Roadrunners 10k Elgin race at the end of March.
A fortnight later, on April 16, the 62-year-old died in his sleep at home in Elgin.
Despite his worsening condition, Mr Millns collected almost £1,300 for the Help for Heroes military charity by competing in several races over the last years of his life.
The dedicated fundraiser even requested that donations be made to wounded veterans at his funeral.
Now he has been nominated for one of Help the Heroes’ Hero awards – hailed at the charity’s version of the Victoria Cross – in recognition of his efforts. It is only the third time someone from the north of Scotland has been put forward for it.
Yesterday Mr Millns’s daughter, Kimberly Clayton, spoke of her pride at her late father’s achievements.
The 26-year-old, who lives in Doncaster, said: “I think it’s really nice that my dad dedicated the last years of his life to fundraising.
“His Parkinson’s got worse over the past three or four years, and sometimes he would be running despite falling over several times during a race.
“But that was just him all over – he was stubborn and wouldn’t let anything stop him.”
Mrs Clayton added: “He was always someone who was concerned for those less fortunate than him.
“I’m so proud of him, and the whole family is just beaming about him being up for this award.”
Mr Millns had already been chosen to receive a Help for Heroes “over and above” prize prior to his death, which is being sent to his daughter.
The Hero award though, is reserved for “extraordinary supporters” of the charity.
Dianne Mcleish, Help for Heroes county coordinator for Moray and Highlands, said: “Receiving an “over and above” award means that someone has made a special effort for the charity – and in the six years I’ve worked for the charity I’ve only put three people forward for it.
“It was only when I went to tell him about it that I learned he had died, but it is heartening to know his family appreciate having it on his behalf.”
Mr Millns’s family will learn in October whether he has been chosen to posthumously receive the Hero award.