Sergeant Major Lee Penrice – 52 marathons in 52 weeks to raise money for Veterans.
By Judith Haw
Sergeant Major Lee Penrice is wished a restful New Year from everyone at Erskine after 2019 saw him run the equivalent of 52 marathons in 52 weeks to raise money for the charity’s Veterans.
Lee set himself the fundraising challenge after visiting an Erskine Home and spending time with residents.
Running in all weathers, 45-year-old Lee has completed 1,362.4 miles within a year. Lee ran his last five miles on Hogmanay finishing at the Erskine Home in Bishopton, where he presented 104 year old RAF Veteran Hasie with a cheque for nearly £3,000.
Lee said: “For the last few years I have tried to do something for charity and after spending time at an Erskine Home I knew I wanted to fund-raise for Erskine. I think the work that charity does is amazing and I wanted to contribute in a small way. Completing the challenge was a lot harder than I thought.
“December was the hardest month as I was running almost every day and having recently found out I have arthritis in my knee it has been quite painful at times, but the fact that people were still donating and supporting me kept me going through the pain. To everyone who supported me and donated, thank you. I am delighted with the amount raised and hope it helps.”
Jim Watret, Erskine Community Fundraiser for the West, said: “It is wonderful when active Servicemen like Lee, are so keen to support our Veterans. There is a special bond between the currently serving and those who previously served. Lee’s challenge was incredible. He has raised a fantastic amount of money and we are eternally grateful for his support.”
To donate to Lee’s JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lee-penrice3?utm_id=124