A KEEN skateboarder who battled a brain tumour is taking on an epic-month long challenge to help fund research into the disease.

Innes Donaldson was only 17 years old when he was diagnosed with a benign craniophrayngioma brain tumour after being ill for months.

Since then he has had two surgeries and radiotherapy to remove the tumour and prevent it from returning.

He was lucky enough to ring the bell near the end of last year to signify the end of his treatment.

Determined to give back, the now 20-year-old has now set out to raise funds for the Brain Tumour Research charity.

The charity is running a '200K In May Your Way' challenge, with those who sign up being asked to cover 200 kilometres in the space of a month through walking, jogging, running, cycling, swimming or a combination of some or all of the five.

Largs and Millport Weekly News: Nurses, family and friends gathered round to watch Innes ring the bell to signify the end of his treatmentNurses, family and friends gathered round to watch Innes ring the bell to signify the end of his treatment (Image: Newsquest)

He told the News: "I choose to do this challenge as it is something I went through myself and I felt it would be incredible to raise money for a great cause.

"I was quite unwell for a while. It was only when I got an MRI that I was able to get a confirmed diagnosis. A week later, I had my surgery. The staff were absolutely amazing to me."

The former Largs Academy pupil has already raised over £600 so far,  but he says there is a lot of work still to do.

"I have mostly been cycling and walking," he admitted. "I don't think I am built for running!

"I am happy that it is going smoothly so far. My family and friends have been nothing but supportive which makes this challenge easier.

Largs and Millport Weekly News: Innes is taking on the month-long charity for charity Brain Tumour ResearchInnes is taking on the month-long charity for charity Brain Tumour Research (Image: Newsquest)

"I hope the community of Largs are able to support me in doing this and it is something very personal to me. I want to give back and help others who are in the same situation that I have been.

"If you can't donate, then please help share my fundraiser and bring awareness to a charity that are working hard for people living or have experienced brain tumours."

To donate to Innes' fundraiser visit his Facebook page at tinyurl.com/Innes-Donaldson.