5 days ago
One Big Thank You 2025 raises thousands of pounds for Dumfries and Galloway's healthcare heroes
Jim McLelland spent 12 hours walking, running and jogging round Lochside Park in Castle Douglas on Sunday.
Jim McLelland covered more than 30 miles on Saturday – without leaving a Castle Douglas park.
And in the process, he's raised thousands of pounds for Dumfries and Galloway's healthcare heroes.
The popular widower from Crossmichael held his One Big Thank You in Lochside Park once again, walking, running and jogging for 12 hours straight.
He took on the task to replicate what staff at DGRI have to do in the space of a shift, raising money to be split between the Alexandra Unit at DGRI and staff support.
Son Jay and pals Jane and David Whitelaw joined him for his 12 hour endurance challenge, with music, food stalls and other stands adding to the festival atmosphere.
Jim, 72, said: 'I managed to do an extra mile this year, I got to 34.5 this year
'It was a good day, we had a bit of fun. You can't do any more than you can do.
'My son and Jane and David walked the whole distance with me. It was really enjoyable and they seemed to enjoy it too and hopefully they'll be up for it again next year.
'It's our hospital and we've got to do what we can for it. It belongs to every single one of us who lives in the region.
'If they want a hospital and don't want to complain too much about it, they've got to do something about it themselves.'
Jim, well known as the organiser of the Dee Dip at Crossmichael and former publican at the village's Thistle Inn, started his fundraising last year in tribute to wife Ruth, who died at DGRI's Alexandra Unit in 2023. His first wife, Diane, died in the unit at the old hospital in 1994.
Last year he raised more than £26,000 and he is still hoping to meet his ultimate goal of £100,000, with plans already being made for next year.
He said: 'It's our 40th year of the Dee Dip next year and I'm trying to get people to get sponsorship sheets and do it for One Big Thank You so we can start the New Year with a big bang, then organise smaller events as we get through to the finale.
'I'm trying to get people to do a traybake, karaoke or a bingo night so they can put in money.
'We don't have a treasurer, chairman or secretary. You just put your money into the JustGiving page.'
Donations can still be made online at JustGiving.
