David Collins (33), of McDonald Street, still grapples with anxiety issues but is training hard after winning a lucky ticket to compete in the New York City Marathon this November. Although he’s set to take part just for fun, David decided to use the opportunity to raise money for a cause close to his heart, the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).

“I’ve had trouble in the past and still deal with anxiety issues,” he said. I’ve also had family and friends who have been through bad times. I want to help other people by raising money.

“I try to do an event at least once a year to raise money for charity. I love New York and by chance I decided to enter the ballot for the marathon and luckily I got in.

“I don’t have to raise any money but I thought I might as well!

“There’s around 50,000 people entered so to get chosen in the ballot was pure luck! I had to read the email a couple of times. It’s an expensive marathon to do but it will be worth it.” Taking place on 1st November this year, the route will take David and his fellow competitors around some of the most iconic sights of New York, including Staten Island, Queensboro Bridge and Central Park.

“I went there with a group of friends for my 30th three years ago,” said David, who is looking forward to returning to the Big Apple. “My uncle is going to come to help out. I’ll relax a couple of days before and get used to the time difference and then run on the Sunday.

“I keep relatively fit but I’ve just started serious training now and it’s going well.

“I’m just looking forward to going over and experiencing the New York Marathon and raising money for a good cause is a bonus.” David is also planning to hold a race night in September ahead of his trip and has already received generous donations to raffle off and help him to raise money, including a signed prize from UFC fighter and fellow Fifer Stevie Ray.

“The response has been phenomenal so far,” he said. “Chris Hoy is an ambassador for SAMH and agreed to sign something if I send it.

“I also got a print of the Swilcan Bridge, the famous bridge at the Old Course at St Andrews, and a friend of mine took it up to the Open last weekend and got golfers to sign it.

“I said at the start I wanted to raise £1000 but the way things are going I hope to get quite a bit over that. I just want to raise as much as possible.

“I try to raise money for something that means something to me or someone close to me.” l To donate to David’s fund-raising efforts, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DavidCollins