EAST Renfrewshire residents put their best foot forward at the weekend to raise funds for causes close to their heart.

Staff and volunteers at Barrhead-based charity Include Me 2 Club, pupils from St Mark’s Primary, 1st Neilston Scouts chairman Anwar Rafiq and local youngsters Lewis Brown and Amie Thomson were among those who took part in the Virtual Kiltwalk.

Money raised locally will provide a welcome boost for a number of good causes, with the Include Me 2 Club (IM2C) coining in more than £8,000 to help those with an additional support need or disability.

Barrhead News:

Paul McIlvenny, chair of the charity, said: “We are so grateful to all those who took part in the Kiltwalk to raise funds that will go towards supporting our members and ease the impact of the pandemic by providing those most affected with access to a short break, experience day and/or activity.”

Barrhead News:

Also benefitting is the Lapwing Lodge Outdoor Centre, on the Gleniffer Braes, and Calum’s Cabin, which offers respite care to families with children who are fighting cancer.

Anwar, 51, said: “I have been volunteering at Lapwing Lodge for a few years but it needs to raise £25,000 to stay afloat.”

Barrhead News:

Lewis, 16, and Amie, seven, are among those to support Anwar’s fundraising efforts.

“I know how important Lapwing is for young people like me,” said Lewis.

Meanwhile, pupils from St Mark’s Primary collectively walked the same distance it takes to climb Ben Nevis, without leaving the school grounds.

Barrhead News:

They raised more than £760 for Calum’s Cabin.

Donations can be made online at here or here.