Darren sets himself new charity target of £20,000

Darren Goudie, now 19, started fundraising for the Schiehallion ward at Yorkhill Hospital after the death of his little brother.

Brandon died, aged five, in 2010 from a childhood cancer called lymphona, which he had fought for nearly a year.

Darren said: ‘‘I was grieving, and my way to cope was to fundraise.

‘‘I organised non uniform days at my school, St Roch’s Secondary, and we held raffles. We also did collections in supermarkets.’’

Each October Darren, from Barmulloch, has organised a charity night, with the ultimate aim of reaching £10,000.

With the fund now sitting at £10,800 Darren has set himself a new challenge – raising £20,000 in Brandon’s memory. The next charity night will take place this October.

Darren’s commitment to fundraising knew no bounds as he was determined to shed pounds to raise pounds.

‘‘I decided to do a 10,000 feet sponsored sky dive, but they had a weight limit. I had to lose four and a half stone before they would allow me to take part.’’

Despite Darren’s best efforts bad weather saw his skydiving attempted cancelled four times, so he’s gone back to conventional fundraising ideas.

With Yorkhill closing shortly and no new equipment needed this year, he bought 11 mini ipads to give to in-patients at Christmas with this year’s cash. Darren, who also has a brother Reece (13) is supported by his very proud parents. Since leaving school he has taken up work with Glasgow Life, providing sports coaching in primary schools.