Highland League footballers 24 hour run

A group of former Highland League football players have raised more than £12,500 for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation through a 24 hour run, in support of Martin Johnston, the former Elgin City, Peterhead and Cove Rangers striker who is suffering from MND

The 24 hour running event was staged over the weekend of the 11th and 12th of July. It was spearheaded by Martin Johnston's former teammate Keith Robertson who played with Martin at Peterhead Football Club and Cove Rangers Football Club.

Martin said: "Keith did an amazing job of getting all the runners together and promoting the event."

The running team was made up of various former teammates, coaches or opponents Martin had faced over the years during his time as a semi-professional footballer in the Highland League and Scottish Leagues.

The runs took place every hour over 24 hours in various locations in North Scotland including Aberdeen, Arbroath, Fraserburgh, Elgin and even Shetland, by people of various ages and fitness levels.

Many of the former players involved had been fierce rivals during their playing careers, but all came together as a team to complete the challenge and to represent Martin and the fight against MND.

Martin said: "Myself and my family are hugely grateful to every one of the guys who took part, and to everyone who donated. We all had an amazing time during the event, as it became an real team effort with everyone encouraging each other and congratulating each other before and after each run."

"The group chat that we had was full of the old dressing room humour that I think we had all missed from our playing days, and there is talk of a night out to celebrate the achievement and team effort when it’s safe to do so."

This is the second fundraiser Martin and co have staged. He said: "In total we have raised over £25,000, and hope to do more in the future."