Two Southside students competed in this year’s New York marathon, raising £10,000 for the British Red Cross.

Paul Sweeney and Nick Scott, from Newlands, ran in front of 2 million spectators in the US city and 260 million TV viewers worldwide. The run attracts around 85,000 applicants every year.

Paul (22), who studies Management and International Relations explained, ‘We’d all heard of the Red Cross and they’re at every major world crisis, helping people in dreadful situations. They often work in very dangerous and challenging places, where other organisations just can’t get access. They also work in Scotland and in my local area so know that the money we raise will be put to really good use and will help those who need it most – whoever they are.’

‘We’ve been training since about May and three of us took part in the Glasgow half marathon, which was awesome!   I did it in 1 hour 40 minutes.’

The lads also organised a charity ball in Edinburgh and a charity rugby match in Aberdeen. Nick (20) said, ‘We’ve been using any opportunity to fundraise and our friends and family have been incredibly supportive and generous.’

Red Cross Fundraiser Jayne Forbes said, ‘We’re really grateful to Paul, Nick and the team.They’re doing a fantastic job and the money they raised will be a huge contribution to the work of the Red Cross.’