A BASINGSTOKE man has raised more than £1,500 for a Southampton charity after running 12 half marathons dressed in a kilt.

Gerry Dooner, from Brighton Hill, has raised £1,600 for Southampton Children’s Hospital Charity (SCHC) and national charity Age UK by running a dozen marathons in 12 months.

The 44-year-old ran each race in his kilt, in the family tartan, Campbell of Breadalbane, as a tribute to his Scottish heritage.

He said: “Age UK is a charity incredibly close to my heart so it was important to me to give back to an organisation which dedicates it’s time to assist the vulnerable elderly people within our society.

“I also chose to support the Southampton Children’s Hospital Charity to give back to those children that sadly are unable to enjoy a normal, carefree childhood.

“I wanted to donate to this charity to also support the staff who work tirelessly to keep a smile on the children’s faces by giving them the best possible care whilst they are in hospital.”

Gerry, an IT analyst for Bidfood at its Basingstoke base, lived in Renfrew just outside of Glasgow and for 30 years before moving down south with his wife.

Suzie Simmons, head of fundraising for SCHC said: “It is an incredible challenge that Gerry undertook over the last 12 months, and one that really shows true determination and persistence - Well done Gerry!“The Southampton Children’s Hospital is a centre of excellence for heart, brain, cancer, trauma and intensive care, and other specialist areas, so Gerry’s kind donations will really help us to enhance the support, care and treatments that we give to these patients.”