A local running legend is limbering up to smash through his tenth London marathon next month.

Lorry driver and charity fundraiser Derek Montgomery, 52 from Craigens will take on his tenth capital race on October 2 to help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

It has been a rollercoaster year since Derek took on the 26.2 mile challenge around London in 2021. He became a grandad to baby Olivia but along with the highs came the lows.

Cumnock Chronicle: Derek with Jack Lammie from W&E Lammie GroundworksDerek with Jack Lammie from W&E Lammie Groundworks (Image: Derek Montgomery)

An injury sustained while playing football with his son in December meant the festive period was spent on crutches and leg support. For the first time in 12 years Derek couldn't train on Christmas Day or New Years Day.

After a month away from his daily job as a long-distance lorry driver, Derek returned to work in January only to find himself in a serious accident.

Whilst driving on the A76 outside Mauchline his lorry lost control in the snow and Jack-knifed against the crash barrier.

"It was one of those moments where you think it's all over and the only the crash barrier saved me from a more serious fate," Derek recalled.

A bout of Covid again saw the runner laid low for a couple of weeks before resuming light training, but, for Derek the more challenging aspect of the year has been the cost of living crisis.

Derek said: "I've found that many people who have donated or sponsored in the past haven't stepped forward this year.

"I can't be grudging of that because so many have dug deep in the past and sadly charity donations can feel like a luxury some people can't afford."

However, the loyalty of local business W & E Lammie Groundworks in Cumnock has never faltered.

Once again this year the family-run business has stepped forward with sponsorship for Derek's 2022 marathon.

Cumnock Chronicle: Support from RangersSupport from Rangers (Image: Derek Montgomery)

This year the runner hopes to take his fundraising for Cancer charities to almost £47,000, but still wants to continue raising money for causes after this year's marathon has finished.

He has already been offered a place in the 2023 event in London but feels it's time for a new challenge.

Derek's cause has always been boosted along the way, this time in the form of a signed Celtic ball, as well as donations from Rangers.

Derek's fundraising story began away back in 2011 not long after taking up jogging as a serious hobby. The loss of his brother and father to the disease left lifelong scars and Derek's charity work has helped ease the burden of those passing.

Cumnock Chronicle: Celtic star, Jota, offered his supportCeltic star, Jota, offered his support (Image: Derek Montgomery)

He added: "All I ever wanted to do was try and give a little to charity but has now turned into a huge part of my life.

"Online raffles, auctions and sponsored events have raised a great amount and can't thank the public enough."

"The prizes from the Old Firm guys are huge attractions for the locals and big hearted gestures from former Rangers & Holland star Arthur Numan and signed merchandise from Celtic stars Kyogo and Jota certainly add a few pounds to the cause."

You can support Derek's mammoth tenth marathon here.