Top Scottish athlete Andrew Lemoncello has his sights set on a new world record, all for the love of his baby daughter.
The St Andrews elite long-distance runner will take on a new challenge, to beat the world record for running a half marathon on a treadmill.
While he is determined to succeed in every race he enters, the world record attempt, which will be carried out in a mall in Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday, has special meaning for the 31-year-old.
That focus comes in the shape of new baby Isla, who was born with Down’s syndrome four months ago.
It is to thank the National Down Syndrome Society which has given Andrew and wife Julie such support over the last few months that the runner has arranged the event.
Andrew, who is now based in Arizona, said it was a shock when they discovered Isla had Down’s.
The first week was really tough, he revealed. But in stepped the NDSS.
“It was wonderful for my wife and I to be able to connect with other families who had children with Down’s syndrome,” he said.
The charity also put them in touch with physical therapists who are helping with the tot’s development. After a difficult start Isla is now progressing well. She had a couple of holes in her heart which are healing naturally.
She also had to have oxygen for a month because of her immature lungs, but has grown out of that as well.
Focused on doing everything he can to help his baby daughter, and willing to help the charity, he came up with the treadmill challenge.
The record stands at 68 minutes and 50 seconds. He is hoping that he can break the 65-minute barrier. Funds he will raise will go towards research.
So far he has raised £15,000 for NDSS.