A GLASGOW man is to run, cycle, and swim his way to Istanbul in memory of his wife. 

Stephen Kinnaird and friends will complete the 2000 mile trek online to Turkey to coin in cash for the Stroke Association Scotland

The dad-of-two has taken on the daunting task in honour of Justine, who passed away from stroke in 2017 aged only 46, leaving Stephen and their two young daughters, Elsa and Thea, to adapt to life without her. 

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Stephen said: “It was devastating to lose Justine. She was such a compassionate and generous wife, mother and friend. 

"Despite this, I knew I had to take steps to turn our tragic situation into something positive." 

As well as taking on the challenge in memory of Justine, Stephen and his friends – the group dubbed 'Team Justine' – want to raise awareness that strokes can happen to younger people.

They also want to help others living with the devastating effects of stroke. 

"I set up an ‘In memory’ fund for Justine and took part in fundraising events with friends including The Great Scottish Half Marathon," Stephen said. 

"This is what Justine would have wanted me to do and we’re delighted to have raised over £18,000 for the charity over the last two and a half years."

“Everything we are doing is within social distancing rules, so we are glad to be able to ask others to get involved. 

"Every step, stroke or cycle will help rack up our miles and will make a difference to those who have had a stroke. 

"Please turn our challenge into your own challenge.”

According to the Stroke Association, strokes are the third biggest killer in Scotland and affect around 100,000 people in the UK every year. 

Kirsty Scott, fundraising manager for the Stroke Association in Scotland, said: “Stephen’s fundraising idea is a really creative one.  

"These ideas have never been more important than at a time like this where our fundraising events have had to come to a standstill.  

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"We are humbled by all the support Stephen and his friends have already given the charity and we are now delighted with their new fundraising idea."

If you would like to donate to Stephen's challenge, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/justinesmiles2020

You can also follow Team Justine's journey by visiting the Justinesmiles page on the Stroke Association’s Facebook account.