Organisers behind the quest for a new Arbroath skatepark were “absolutely ecstatic” with the news they have raised the full amount of money needed.
Jillian Low, who has led the Arbroath Skatepark Project for the last three years, said a late pledge of £2,400 means fundraisers will now meet their £202,000 target in full.
The deadline for fundraising had originally been extended to the middle of next month, with pledges still coming in.
The project is now on a tight schedule to allow it to be completed by the end of August, which is a condition of a £100,000 grant from Sportscotland.
Jillian said: “We’ve had more pledges come in today, and are now sure that we’ll get the £202,000. I got an email in 45 minutes ago that means everything’s fallen into place at exactly the right time.
“This morning we were looking for £3,000 and it just shows you how fast things move that we’re now maybe a couple of hundred pounds over.
“I have updated Sportscotland of our funding situation. Although they have offered a degree of flexibility regarding timescales, we plan for Angus Council to put the construction phase out to tender around mid-February.
“This is subject to full funding being secured.”
Jillian warned that if all the funds were not in place then it could see the project delayed.
“If we were to put this next phase off to a later date, we would fall behind the schedule to complete the build before the end of the summer this year,” she added.
“We are determined to have the park built while there is still some half decent weather to enjoy it.”
Arbroath woman Kelly Bennett, 33, has recently completed a 50-day challenge in which she cycled or ran 5km each day.
Her fundraising has raised more than £500, which will be split between the Skatepark Project and the CAF Project in Arbroath, which is under threat of closure.
She was joined on the last day of her 5 x 50 Challenge by Jillian and her friend Rachel Hirst, who has accompanied her on many of her runs.
Kelly said: “My 15-year-old son Taguen is a skater and a skatepark would be of a lot of value to him. He has also used the CAF Project’s after-school clubs in the past.
“The challenge was tough and my body was really tired by the end of it. I could hardly lift my feet some days, but I’m glad to have done it for two good causes.”
Jillian praised Kelly for her “determination and perseverance” in finishing the challenge.
She added: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Kelly. It was quite a feat and she should be proud of herself for completing it. It is a fantastic achievement and I hope her supporters have given generously.”