A businessman has thrown his weight behind Aberdeenshire’s biggest charity race by offering to match the cash raised for a leading north east cancer charity.
Bert McIntosh, of McIntosh Plant Hire, Westhill, has also offered 10 free sponsor spaces for the RunBalmoral 10K to those taking on the challenge for Aberdeen cancer charity Friends of Anchor.
Mr McIntosh, 71, will also take part in the run himself – the 13th time he has competed.
He has only missed three of RunBalmoral’s 10K runs since it was launched in 1998.
This year’s race, which goes through Garmaddie woods and ends near Balmoral Castle, is expected to see 2,500 runners take part.
Mr McIntosh said: “For anyone who missed out in signing up to this year’s RunBalmoral 10K, now’s your chance.
“This will be a great opportunity to put your best foot forward to raise money for a charity that offers such crucial support for loved ones receiving cancer treatment in the Anchor Unit.
“I, myself, will be running the 10K race and look forward to hosting the Friends of Anchor runners in the sponsor tent for a celebratory toast after making it to the finish line.”
Jimmy Milne, the chairman of the Friends of Anchor charity, said: “We are overwhelmed with the generosity Bertie has pledged to the charity through his involvement with RunBalmoral.
“The Balmoral 10K is one of the most popular sporting events in the north-east and this special opening for ten free places in the race will be a great opportunity for people to show their support for Friends of Anchor.
“If every one of the Friends of Anchor runners were to raise £1,000 in sponsorship that would result in a phenomenal total of £20,000 for the Anchor Unit.
“Bert has long been a supporter of the cause and we are so grateful for his continued generosity and passion in raising awareness and funds for all those fighting cancer in the north-east of Scotland.”
For more information on RunBalmoral, which takes place on April 25, visit www.runbalmoral.com.