A GREENOCK dad who competed a gruelling half marathon in memory of his beloved cousin has thanked the people of Inverclyde for their ‘amazing’ support.

Stephen Lyle completed the Alloa Half Marathon as a tribute to his cousin Susan Lyle, who sadly committed suicide last year.

The 36-year-old said the race was tough but thinking of Susan, inset, who was a much-loved mum-of-two, was the only motivation he needed to push through his pain barrier.

Dad of one Stephen of Dunlop Street, said: “At 11 miles my legs and arms were extremely sore but I thought of Susan and that took my mind off it.

“I hope she was with me on the day.

“It sounds corny but I could feel a wind at my back and I hope that was Susan pushing me on.

“When I crossed the finish line I felt jubilant and so happy I’d done it.” Stephen’s tremendous efforts have raised over £700 for the Depression Alliance — a charity which supports people with mental health problems.

He added: “I greatly appreciate everyone’s support especially as I was collecting just after Christmas, when money is tight for people.

“I’m really happy and want to thank everyone who donated.” Stephen also wants to thank his friend Mark Adamson for running with him at the event.

He said: “Mark was the person who encouraged me to do the run in the first place.

“On the day he let me set the pace and he stayed with me even though he’s a seasoned runner.” Anyone who would still like to support Stephen’s appeal can do so by going to his online fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/stephen-lyle