AN ATHLETE who has previously represented Scotland on the international stage is planning to go the full distance for a care home in his community devastated by Coronavirus.
The virus entered Thorney Croft in Stranraer earlier this year, infecting both residents and staff and resulting in 14 deaths.
Now local lad and fitness extraordinaire Ross Bark – known locally as ‘Road Runner’ – is hatching a plan to raise enough funds to have a memorial installed in the home’s garden in memory of residents who lost their lives.
Starting on Friday (March 12), he will run four miles every four hours for two days.
“I stay just around the corner from Thorney Croft and my training takes me past it every day,” said Ross, 36. “Stranraer is a small community and everybody has been affected and deeply touched by this tragedy as well as the loss of so many lives.”
He added: “I know everybody has had a really tough time but it was heart-breaking to see all the notices in the local newsagent’s window about all the deaths at Thorney Croft.”
The athlete, who works full-time as a children’s entertainer, was inspired to take on the mammoth ‘4 X 4 X 48 Challenge’ after it was launched last year by ex-US Navy SEAL David Goggins.
But the feat should be plain sailing for Ross, who often clocks up 80 miles a week from his runs.
He said: “It is considered one of the toughest fitness challenges created – a real survival of the fittest.
“I decided on the spur of the moment to give it a go and will begin my attempt on Friday, hopefully finishing it on Sunday inside the car park at Thorney Croft, so that the residents and staff can cheer me on.”
Initially setting a fundraising target of £250, a flood of donations quickly smashed this and brought in over £450 in the first 24 hours.
Ross admitted he thought he was being “ambitious” with his target at first and added: “People have been enormously generous and I cannot thank them enough.”
Meanwhile, Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson reflected on the fatal impact of Covid on the care home and praised the initiative taken by the local runner.
He said: “This cruel virus has regrettably claimed the lives of not only residents but also staff working in care homes across Scotland as they looked after many frail and vulnerable elderly people.
“Nobody can even begin to imagine the untold stress and trauma this has caused many families and loved ones as they try to come to terms with their sad loss.
“I know everybody within the community has been saddened by the loss of so many lives and it is important they are not forgotten.
“I think it is wonderful that Ross is going to take part in this fund-raising challenge in memory of them and wish him well.”
Keep track of Ross’ progress and donate at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/for-thorneycroft
