A NEILSTON family will continue its support for a life-changing children’s cancer charity later this month by taking part in a Kiltwalk.

Gayle Harvey and her daughters Katie and Emily will set off from Balloch and trek to Glasgow to raise money for Calum’s Cabin, which offers respite and accommodation for families with children with cancer.

Katie, 12, is now in first year at Eastwood High and has been raising money through walks and other charity events for around five years, after being inspired on a trip to Rothesay, where Calum’s Cabin is based.

This year will be her nine-year-old sister’s second Kiltwalk, following in Katie’s footsteps with her fundraising work.

Their mum said she couldn’t be more proud of her two girls, who have raised around £400 in each of their years of charity work.

Gayle told the Barrhead News: “Every year, we raise as much as we can for Calum’s Cabin and it has been the best part of five years now.

“It all started on a family trip to Bute when we had to try to explain to Katie that not all children are lucky. I think that really plucked at her heart-strings.

“I am just super proud of the girls. Children get a raw deal sometimes but my two are just amazing.

“They show an empathy for other people that you don’t often see.”

The family’s long-term support is part of the ongoing work which has helped Calum’s Cabin grow.

Set up in memory of Rothesay youngster Calum Speirs, who died in 2007 after a brave fight with an inoperable brain tumour, the charity is run by his parents and endeavours to share the beautiful part of the world where he lived with other children experiencing the same difficulties.

After building its first Calum’s Cabin in 2008, it has since expanded to include a cottage on Bute, as well as a flat in Glasgow to offer a different kind of experience for families.

The charity relies almost solely on donations and the commitment of people such as the Harvey family.

Calum’s mother, Caroline Speirs, told the Barrhead News: “Their support has been wonderful. All of their work and fundraising has been great.

“I think they have really taken the charity to heart and it means so much to us that they keep supporting us and others.

“I just want to thank Gayle, Katie and Emily for the work they do, as it benefits so many families.”

The Harvey family will take part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk from the city to Balloch on Sunday, April 29.

To help them meet their fundraising target, make a donation online at glasgowkiltwalk2018.everydayhero.com/uk/gayle-2.