Keith FC youngster (12) running 50 miles to raise money for Crohn's and Colitis UK in memory of family friend
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A KEITH Football Club youth player is running 50 miles in February to raise money for Crohn's and Colitis UK.
Lukas Borzoni (12), who lives in Urquhart and attends Milne's High, was inspired to raise cash for the charity after the untimely death of family friend Euan Christie, who had suffered with Crohn's disease, at the age of 50.
Initially, he set out to raise a couple of hundred pounds with the help of family and friends – but Lukas has already raised more than £1000 for the charity.
His mum Aimee said: "Euan passed away in January suddenly. Speaking to Lukas about that he was quite affected by the situation.
"We are restricted at the minute but Lukas was keen to do something to raise cash.
"I thought maybe our family would sponsor him and he would raise a couple of hundred pound but it took off and people have been so generous.
"Crohn's and Colitis UK shared his story and he has had people we don't know sponsoring him.
"For Lukas it was just running and raising a bit of money on the way but it has really captured people's thoughts."
Lukas has been part of Keith's youth set up for two years and is now involved with the under 13s.
So the youngster was delighted when the co-manager of Keith's first team Andy Roddie chipped in £50 to support his cause.
"He was absolutely chuffed," Aimee said. "He was a bit starstruck!
"He loves football and misses it so much, but he is very motivated so this is filling the football-shaped void."
Lukas added: "I'm really enjoying the running – it's good to get out of the house.
"I've been running quite a lot in previous months and I wasn't able to go to football training, which was keeping my stamina up.
"I didn't think I'd raise this much money for charity. I was surprised by Andy's donation, I didn't think somebody would donate that much."
By mid-February, Lukas had run 27 miles and raised £1125 for Crohn's and Colitis UK.
Andy Roddie had a few words of encouragement for the youngster after supporting his cause.
"Run because you can and run for those you can't," he said. "Good luck with the challenge and well done Lukas."
You can donate to Lukas' cause online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lukas-bo.