COWDENBEATH councillor, Darren Watt, is braving the Beast Race at Loch Ore in may to help people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions in his local area.

Darren is taking on the 12k, obstacle challenge to raise vital funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. He is a long-time supporter of the charity and has previously campaigned alongside them to ensure life-changing stroke procedure, thrombectomy, is available in Scotland.

Now the Councillor has set himself a beastly challenge to continue raising awareness of the charity and the work that they do.

This is the first year that the Beast Race is taking over the banks of Loch Ore at the Meedies Country Park and with a longer route and new obstacles it’s set to be the muddiest and most gruelling of its kind.

Over two days (30 – 31st May), you can face the mud and icy loch in the 12km, 6km or children’s races.

Councillor Darren Watt, said: "I decided to sign up and brave the Beast Race to raise more awareness about the incredible charity, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, and help raise money so they can continue to support people and families living with chest, heart and stroke conditions as well as fund vital research that can improve treatment, rehabilitation and support long-term needs.

"I have been a long-time supporter of the charity and their campaigns for better quality services and support. I work closely with Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Alexander Stewart, and recently we publicly backed Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland's "Bring Back Thrombectomy" campaign and called on the Scottish Government to restore this life changing procedure for stroke patients."

"Thankfully, there has been progress, but we need to see much, much more and I hope by taking part in this challenging race, more people will know a little more about this extraordinary charity and the amazing work they do."

Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “It’s great to have Darren tackling the mud and braving the Beast Race to help people in Scotland live their lives to the full. It’s set to be a fantastic day and we’re really excited for the Beast to be taking over its new location at Loch Ore.

“I want to say a big thank-you to Darren for his continued support in helping people in Scotland who are living with chest, heart and stroke conditions. Everyone at CHSS is wishing you luck for this amazing challenge and will be cheering you on in May!”

You can support Darren in his fundraising by visiting his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cllrdarrenwatt

If you’d like to brave the Loch Ore Beast Race for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland you can sign-up by visiting the website: www.beastrace.co.uk/charity