A DUNFERMLINE man is going the extra mile – or miles – to help raise cash for armed forces charity SSAFA.

Iain Leggat will set foot on his first ultra marathon on Saturday (February 25) when he takes on the 36.2 miles route of the coastal EnduranceLife Northumberland event.

The feat, which will take place the day before his 26th birthday, will also be Iain's first marathon after he successfully completed a half marathon back in October.

The son of two Armed Forces’ veterans – his father, James, was in the RAF and his mother Penny is a former Nursing Officer, late of the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps, and volunteers for SSAFA’s Fife branch – Iain has already raised over his £360 target for the charity which is so close to his heart.

“I want to smash this target because of countless stories of the incredible case work that SSAFA does in Fife, across Scotland, the rest of the UK, and even the rest of the world," he said.

"Whatever they’re facing, our Armed Forces and their families can rely on SSAFA and its personalised support to help them through it, for as long as it takes to get that person’s life back to where they want it to be.

"It is such an amazing charity, especially the Fife branch. SSAFA is doing some incredible work in the community and not been the best year for anyone but they provide such a vital mental health support."

Iain, who works as a Marketing Executive for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, has swapped his bike for running shoes in recent months, putting in the miles with Park Runs and with his fellow members of Good Time Running Club in Edinburgh where he now lives.

"Training has been ok," he said. "I had a few minor troubles with shin splints.Things had been going far too well but then I had to take a couple of weeks out which was a bit of a struggle. I feel slightly underprepared but looking forward to it.

"I was looking for a challenge as much mentally as I was physically. I have never done anything this distance and felt I can train my body but I have also been trying to run with a smile on my face. It has never been about how fast, it was about enjoying it."

Anyone wanting to boost Iain's fundraising total can do so by visiting his JustGiving page.