A DUNFERMLINE runner has completed a marathon Big Apple effort by raising more than £3,500 for charity.

David Collins, 34, of McDonald Street, wanted to do something for a cause close to his heart after winning a ticket to compete in the New York City Marathon.

Having battled with anxiety issues himself, he decided to raise money for the the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).

The route took David past some of the most iconic sights of New York, including Staten Island, Queensboro Bridge and Central Park.

“It was very difficult but really good,” he said. “Everyone sees New York as flat, but it’s not; it was a difficult course and very tough both physically and mentally.

"But there were more than a million people out on the streets cheering you on and the atmosphere was something I’d never experienced before, it was surreal.

"New York is a place I’ve always loved, so to go back and run through all the different boroughs was an experience, to say the least.”

On his return, David organised a five-a-side football tournament to boost the funds, which proved a success.

He’s also been given a helping hand by some famous faces donating items for raffles and race night prizes, including Scottish UFC fighter Robert Whiteford.

“Robert and his manager Chris Crowe have been really helpful and have donated a few things and will continue to do so when Robert fights, so I want to say a big thank you to them,” said David.

“We raised more than £500 at the football tournament alone so in total, it’s looking like it’s more than £3,500 now.

"I was only targeting £1,000 so to get so much more is great, and the charity is over the moon."