A LARGS teen set to run the London Marathon has raised more than £3,000 for a mental health charity in memory of his late friend.

Danny Casey is gearing up for his challenge in October but has already raised the incredible sum for SAMH.

The 18-year-old decided to take on the marathon following the tragic death of close pal Kerr Wilson two years ago.

He explained: “I decided to do the London Marathon because I wanted to do something big in memory of my Kerr.

“The heartbreak of Kerr’s death resonated throughout our whole community as he was loved and cared about by so many.

“Kerr was taken away from us too early at 15 so I hope that by doing this in his memory and raising money for SAMH I can have a positive impact on people struggling with the issues that Kerr was.

“I thought that running the marathon would be a huge challenge and would give me something to work towards.

“SAMH do fantastic work providing mental health and social care support and many other services right across Scotland, and it is a matter really close to my heart.”

Danny admits that training for the 26 mile marathon has been tough, but says the cause he is running for has motivated him.

He said: “The prep has been pretty gruelling. It involves a mixture of short three to six mile runs and then longer runs of ten miles or more.

“Keeping myself going mentally is really difficult but thinking of the end goal and what I’m doing it for definitely helps keep me going.

“I’m both nervous and excited for the marathon because the lead up to the run is very tough however I know when I complete it will be a great feeling.”

Danny says he has been blown away by the support for his fundraiser.

He said: “I really didn’t expect to have raised more than £3,000 in such a short space of time, it is an amazing feeling.

“Receiving this much support has definitely motivated me even more to keep going and complete the marathon in memory of Kerr.

“I would like to thank everyone that’s donated and shown their support, it means a lot that so many people have taken the time to get behind me and help in what I’m doing.”

You can donate at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/DannyCasey