A DUNFERMLINE man is donning a cape and tights for an entire month to raise money for charity.

Lawrence Cowan may be a caped crusader for 30 days but he insists his dad, Richard, is the real hero.

The 34-year-old is fundraising for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland after Richard was diagnosed with the incurable lung disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), four years ago.

Lawrence is wearing a specially-designed superhero outfit throughout November as part of his #FundAHero challenge.

He said: "It’s going to be strange wearing this outfit at meetings and down the shops but hopefully it will get people’s attention and raise some vital funds.

“My dad’s a real hero. The kindest and most encouraging man you’ll ever meet but the lung disease, COPD, is taking his breath away.

“So many people living with COPD often feel very scared about the future. It is so important that there is someone there to listen, understand and offer advice when it matters. That’s what Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line nurses do.

“A donation of just £10 will fund a call with a real-life hero – one of the charity’s nurses who help people breathe better, get back their confidence and fight loneliness.

“My target is £1,000. This will support 100 people living with COPD in Scotland to breathe better and live life to the full."

COPD is the main cause of death and disability in the world and there is no cure.

In Scotland, there are 139,000 people living with the condition, and many struggle with the impact this has on their day-to-day lives.

Lawrence's dad, Richard, 69, commented: “Like a number of people, I just thought that my symptoms were a sign of ageing. I was having trouble breathing and struggling a bit more with physical activity.

“My diagnosis was a bit of a surprise but in a way it now means I get the support that I need to live my life as well as I can.

“Of course, there are difficult days, but I focus on living and enjoying life. My stage of the disease is manageable with the right information and support. That’s why things like the Advice Line nurses are so important.

“With support, I’m still here to have fun with my grandchildren, and spend quality time with the family.

“For so many people, COPD doesn’t just take your breath away it takes your confidence and so much more. Support is so important. It’s really touching that Lawrence is helping others like this.”

Lawrence, director of communications at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, will be encouraging those who spot him on the train or out and about to take a picture with him and share their photograph on social media using #FundAHero

If you want to sponsor Lawrence, visit his online donation page: www.justgiving.com/fundahero