A YOUNG group of footballers in West Fife have raised £1,800 for charity and to support their coach in his time of need.

Garry Wright was diagnosed with colon cancer in February and his East End United 2006 side have gone above and beyond in the past week to lift his spirits.

The under-14 squad of youngsters have either run or cycled a total distance of 100km each in the space of seven days all in aid of Cancer Research UK.

"I'm over the moon with them," Garry told the Press.

"I'm as proud as anything of all of them for doing this.

"I've had three stages of chemo so far and will be starting my fourth cycle soon, so there's been some difficult days where I've felt pretty down, I won't ever shy away from that.

"So to have all the boys doing this to show their support to me – and to raise so much for charity – has been incredible and I really am very proud of them.

"Their support has been amazing. I've known a lot of them since primary one so there is a real bond there after all these years. I do look out for them.

"When I heard what they were doing I just thought it was such an incredible gesture and it did make me pretty emotional.

"It's made me happy and I have to say a big thank you to them for doing this, as well as all the parents who have helped organise it.

"They've kept me going and I really am over the moon with all that they've done."

The idea came from Debbie Elliot, whose son, Robbie, plays for the team, which is run through the Pars Foundation.

She told the Press that all the boys were up for taking part from the minute they heard of the plans with even players carrying injuries doing their best to make up the distance.

The squad ended up covering 1,300km as the challenge came to an end.

"They were all so keen to do this for Garry as he really does mean a lot to them," she said.

"Each parent kept track of the progress their son was making to ensure we all met the target.

"To raise this amount of money is a great bonus. This was all about supporting Garry.

"I think he's been really touched by what they've done, along with Scott Meikle, who helps coach them as well.

"I think a lot of the boys look up to Garry so they really wanted to show that by doing this.

"They've all done fantastic."

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/100kinaweekchallenge