A KIND-HEARTED Rangers fan who nearly lost his life to a stroke is stepping up his bid to score charity cash by running 550 miles in just three weeks.

David Smith, 55, will take on a marathon-a-day from Glasgow to Liverpool and back just six months after spending time in the Royal Infirmary recovering from the condition. 

The father-of-one, who has had to learn to read and write again, set off yesterday from the Light Blues’ Ibrox Stadium and will also take to the streets in the likes of Lockerbie and Chorley during his whistle-stop tour. 

Glasgow Times: David is taking on the challenge to mark Rangers' 55th league title (picture: Frank Graham) David is taking on the challenge to mark Rangers' 55th league title (picture: Frank Graham)

It’s all part of his efforts to raise money for the Stroke Association and Rangers Charity Foundation, two causes close to his heart. 

David, who has called his trek the 550 Challenge, said: “I had a stroke on December 8 and now have aphasia, so I am learning to read and write again. It was touch and go for around 24 hours. 

“Within three days I was thinking ‘I’m going to get through this’ and by the fourth day I knew I wanted to run my way back.

“The ward I was in closed down because of Covid. Some people didn’t make it. I was lucky they gave me my own room.

“I started marching up and down the hospital, doing intense four hours at a time, just getting better and better.

“I got out on December 23 and self-isolated for two weeks, marching up and down through my living room.

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“Then on January 7, a month after my stroke, I did a 10 mile run. I’ve ran over a thousand miles since then in training for this.” 

As well as raising money for the two charities, David is determined to honour Rangers boss Steven Gerrard by running to Anfield, home of Liverpool FC, and the Light Blues’ 55th league title.

“It’s a tribute to Stevie,” David, who is married to Jennifer, said. “I have been running for the charity for several years and not once have we been happy. Now the Rangers fans are. 

“It’s unbelievable and I remember being in hospital watching all the games and thinking that I had to get out to see it.

“I did the marathon after eight weeks and was knackered. I’ve had weeks where I thought that I was knackered and then tried to build it up.

“Stevie and the team have kept me going through hard times. My dad is 85 and he never thought he would see it again. We’re just delighted.” 

David, who has previously taken on challenges for the Rangers Charity Foundation and CHAS, added: “I’m doing it for the Stroke Association because I want people to believe anything is possible if you put your mind to it. 

“I never thought I would run though a stroke. That’s unbelievable!” 

Connal Cochrane, Foundation director, said: “David is a big fan of Rangers FC as well as a long-time friend and supporter of the Foundation and our community and charity work. 

“We want to wish David the very best of luck with this amazing challenge. We are very grateful for his support and will be cheering him on his way.”

Kirsty Scott, relationship manager for the Stroke Association, said: “David’s challenge is a huge one, especially so having had a stroke less than six months ago. 

Glasgow Times: David is also wanting to pay tribute to Gers boss Steven Gerrard David is also wanting to pay tribute to Gers boss Steven Gerrard

“We know that David’s determination to keep up his exercises in hospital and afterwards was driven by his desire to get back to running. 

“It’s fantastic that he’s  made such a recovery to enable him to undertake this event.  And we’re thrilled David has decided to support us by increasing stroke awareness and raising funds – thank you. 

“We wish David all the very best and will be cheering him on to the finish line.”

You can follow David’s journey on Twitter @DavidSmithRun. 

To donate, visit here.