A BARRHEAD man took on a gruelling hillwalking challenge this week back in 2008 to raise money for his friend of 48 years who was battling skin cancer.

Inspirational Dennys Docherty decided to raise money for Myeloma UK after learning that his friend John McEwan, also from Barrhead, was bravely fighting the condition.

The dynamic individual decided to take part in the ‘Barrhead Three Peaks Challenge’ to keep up John’s spirits as he underwent gruelling cancer treatment.

Dennys, 55, said at the time: “I felt that I wanted to do something to raise awareness of the condition and to raise a bit of money for Myeloma UK.

“I decided to set myself a challenge that was achievable and one that I knew I could complete.

“My walk began at the Fereneze Braes, up to Killoch Glen and onto Holehouse Brae, then onto Neilston Pad, past the dam, onto the Craggie and finishing at Waulkmill Glen.

“The weather was chaotic and I was exhausted by the end but knowing it was for a good cause was enough to keep me going.”

Dennys set himself four hours to complete the 11-mile trek and was delighted to finish in a time of three hours and 50 minutes.

He added: “It was a personal best for me and, with support from work colleagues, friends and family, I raised £150.”

There was a further boost when Dennys got the news that John’s cancer treatment had been successful and he was in remission.

A spokesperson for Myeloma UK said: “All money from fundraising is invested in research and to provide information and support for people affected by myeloma.”