Surprised and delighted, last night, to be honoured by the 540 strong comunity on the Isle of Sanday, Orkney, for “achivements in ultra distance running”.

I had just completed presenting prizes at the Sports Club Dance, when Orkney’s Member of Parliament, Liam McArthur, stepped forward to make the award.

It has always been a source of special pride, that I have been able to develop my athletics career whilst living in this remote island community, which has been my home for almost 30 years.