A DOTING Dumbarton dad will take on seven marathons in seven days to help the Renton language unit which supports his son stay up and running.

Joe Goldie, 40, will run 26.2 miles through the streets and parks of Dumbarton, the Vale and Clydebank every day from January 2 to January 8 to drum up the cash for Renton Primary School’s language and communication unit.

He has already raised almost £1,400 towards his £2,000, with just two weeks to go until the challenge.

The Renton Unit supports children with Autism spectrum disorder and specific language impairments – to ensure it continues being able to meet the complex needs of its pupils.

His eldest son Peter has attended the unit since beginning school two years ago, and it has resulted in him making major improvements.

Joe told the Reporter: “It’s a great place.

“Particularly this year we’ve noticed a big change in the interaction with his younger brother.

“They do a lot of trips and have sensory toys and they’ve got a sensory room.

“It’s great place so I’m happy to help. Peter is excited but like any other wee boy he forgets that I’m doing this two minutes later.”

For the dozens of other kids like Peter, the unit provides sensory equipment and dedicated teaching staff all while allowing them to mingle with mainstream pupils.

And despite being a keen jogger, it remains a daunting project for the dad-of-two, but it’s a necessary one to help ensure the day-to-day running of the unit which has done so much for his boy.

Joe added: “We’re looking to raise extra funds because the unit has some additional needs that aren’t always met.

“There’s never a right time to start [fundraising] so we will be doing it the beginning of January when people are still off work so people can come and help me.

And to make the challenge extra special, Joe will even be joined on the last leg by Peter and his 30 classmates.

Joe said: “We’re going to finish at the school with the kids so Peter will be there.”

He added: “Other parents are helping with the organising and a few companies have agreed to sponsor us so it’s going well so far.”

Paula Priestley, acting depute headteacher of the school, said: “It’s fantastic all our parents want to support us.

“We’ve had fundraisers before and we appreciate everything that they do.

“I think it shows that they really value the staff and the work that they do here.”

To donate visit gofundme.com/4gnjai0.