The fundraising efforts of a new dad who plans to run from Glasgow to Aberdeen in aid of Ronald McDonald House and The Archie Foundation have received a £5,000 boost from Score Group.

Andrew Smith, who has worked for Score since 2011, plans to set off from Ronald McDonald House Glasgow on Saturday 1 June and will run 165 miles non-stop to the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital in Aberdeen.  

Peterhead-based Score is supporting Andrew’s awe-inspiring challenge and has boosted his fundraising efforts with a £5,000 contribution towards his £50,000 goal.

Andrew, who is the operations manager for Score’s Israel Valve Services, is raising money for the two charities in recognition of the support the charities provided when his son, Louie, was born prematurely at 28 weeks.

Baby Louie was subsequently found to have an extremely rare genetic condition which resulted in him spending the first few months of his life in hospital in both Aberdeen and Glasgow. The two charities provided free accommodation to allow his mum and dad to be nearby.

Andrew (29) and his partner Nancie, who live in Mintlaw, are celebrating the fundraising boost with the news that Louie has been discharged from hospital after more than five months.

“159 days after he was born, we have finally been able to take Louie home from hospital. It’s fantastic for Nancie and I to have our wee boy home with us and to start to fully settle into life as a family of three,” he said

“Score coming on board as the main sponsor for my fundraising challenge is the icing on the cake. The fundraising is going well and with this latest news my current total is almost £15,000. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated to date.

“The money will make a real difference to the children and their families who receive support from The Archie Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Glasgow.”

Score’s Commercial Director, Ian Davidson said: “Score is delighted to be supporting Andrew as he embarks on his remarkable fundraising endeavour. To run the distance of Glasgow to Aberdeen is no easy task and will be an incredible achievement.

“We wish Andrew every success as he undertakes this challenge and sincerely hope he achieves his funding target in aid of The Archie Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Glasgow, two charities so very close to his heart. Good luck Andrew!”

Andrew added: “I have other sponsorship packages available at £1,000 and £2,500 so I’d encourage any other companies that would like to get involved to contact me on hello@archie.org.”

For more information about Andrew’s challenge or to make a donation, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/andrews-big-run-for-louie