18 August 2011

Dundee graduate takes on marathon Japanese fundraiser

Picture shows Lawrie at a previous race in the run-up to the marathon

A University of Dundee graduate now living in Japan will take part in his first marathon to raise money for victims of the tsunami that hit his adopted homeland earlier this year.

Lawrie Livie (29), who graduated with a degree in Physics in 2004, now teaches English in Sapporo. He will pound the pavements of the city in the Hokkaido Marathon on Sunday, 28th August, and is appealing for help to raise money for those whose lives were devastated by the disaster.

The former Menzieshill High School pupil has already received around £800 of pledges for Civic Force, a Japanese disaster-relief that has been working in the areas affected by the disaster.

Lawrie says that he was inspired to apply for the marathon after seeing the devastation caused when a massive earthquake and resulting tsunami hit the north east coast of Japan in March. More than 15,000 people died and 125,000 buildings were destroyed or damaged. Reconstruction work will continue for many years, and agencies such as Civic Force are working to help shattered citizens rebuild their lives.

'I've always wanted to do a marathon and, after the tsunami, I thought it was a great chance to give the victims some help,' he said. 'I wanted to make people aware that this is not yesterday’s news. It’s still very much a problem today.

'This is my first marathon, and probably my last! I’ve been training since May, but the biggest challenge for me will be the heat. It’s been in the 30's for the last week or so, which is way too hot for my Scottish skin. It should cool down a little more by the end of the month but it’s still much hotter than the Dundee summers I was used to.

'What happened to the country was absolutely devastating and it affected everyone over here. I’m just trying to do my little bit and help Civic Force so I hope some people back home can help out.'

Lawrie has been living and working in Japan since shortly after he graduated. The Hokkaido event is regarded as one of the most prestigious marathons in Japan, and Lawrie said he was fortunate to be accepted. He will be cheered on by friends, students and colleagues as he undertakes his gruelling charity effort.

More information about Lawrie’s efforts can be found at www.justgiving.com/Lawrie-Livie, where donations can be made.

He says he is keen to hear from anyone who would like to help and can be contacted directly at lawrie1livie@hotmail.com.

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University of Dundee
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