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Football legend in charity tribute to his wife

Jim Leishman embarks on challenging 81-mile walk, five months after losing the love of his life.

19 June 2009 17:22 GMT

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A Scottish football legend is taking to the hills and glens to raise money for charity.

Jim Leishman - one of the most colourful characters in Scottish sport – is in the midst of an 81-mile trek along the Fife Coast Path to raise cash in memory of his wife Mary, who died of cancer in February.

The popular Pars director has slimmed down for the challenge and said it is given him something positive to focus on at this difficult time.

Football legend in charity tribute to his wife

Some 40 family friends were supporting him on his walk to raise money for the Mary Leishman Foundation. Funds will be distributed to good causes across Fife.

As he prepared for the walk, he told STV News: "The knees are a bit wobbly but that's the old war wounds from when I used to score winners at Ibrox. I just thought I'd get that in."

The football great will be joined by his daughter and son-in-law – among many others – on the charity walk and are hugely proud of his efforts.

Daughter Kate Smart said: "There's nothing to cuddle any more when I come home - the belly's gone. He'll kill me for saying that but I'm really chuffed with him."

Added brother-in-law Gordon Smart: "Its been a really difficult time for Jim and you know what he's like - the life and soul of party - so it's been tough the last six months.

"He's channelled his emotions into this, really put his energy into it and it's so good to see the support he's had."

The walk began on Wednesday and is expected to conclude on Sunday.

For more information see the Mary Leishman Foundation
 

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