A Barrhead charity has thanked supporters for their "blood, sweat and blisters" after they stepped up to take part in Glasgow’s biggest-ever Kiltwalk on Sunday.
Thousands of pounds have been coined in for Include Me 2 Club (IM2C) thanks to those who signed up to do the Wee Wander, Big Stroll and Mighty Stride.
In the process, they undertook their own personal challenges and goals and overcame obstacles to achieve their targets.
Paul McIlvenny, IM2C chairperson and co-founder, who was among those taking part, told the Barrhead News: “It was fantastic to see so many children, young people, families, volunteers and members take part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk. Over 35 people signed up.
“I want to say a personal and huge thank you to all of the walkers for the blood, sweat and blisters on the day as they raised well over £4,000 and counting, with the top up from the Kiltwalk to come."
“It is an incredible amount in the current climate when so many people are struggling with household bills, food, energy and costs of living," he added.
"We appreciate the effort and energy people went to undertake this event and fundraise on behalf of IM2C.
“With lots of local people, members, supporters and local businesses contributing to the cause. Simply thank you.”
Community champion Anwar Rafiq and his team led the charge, inspiring others to take part and get involved.
The dad-of-two, who leads IM2C’s Neilston Well Walk initiative, has now completed five Kiltwalks over the years to coin in cash for local organisations.
In what Paul described as a “fantastic effort from one of our volunteers to support the charity”, Anwar achieved a personal best of five hours and 44 minutes and has individually raised more than £1,000 and counting for IM2C through this year’s event.
Hailing the efforts of the team Anwar said: “I am over the moon truly. I have put my heart and soul into this.
“In really tough times it’s the people who are the heroes and not me and I thank each and every one of them.
“I am so proud of the team and privileged to be your team captain.
“I would also like to thank each and every one of you who have dug deep.”
He also thanked local businesses for getting behind their efforts and said he had been blown away” by their “great” support.
“Thank you to D. Moodie & Co funeral directors for their very generous donation,” he added.
“Also thank you again to Frankiez Café Bar for their very kind donation and also Derek Young who made my t-shirts and printed them free of charge for my wee part of the team at IM2C.”
Along with Paul and Anwar, among those who also took part on behalf of IM2C were Anne Louise Campbell, Ash Hussain, Caitlin Duncan, Callum McLucas, Casper McIlvenny, Chloe Yardley, Chloe Taylor, Ciara Duncan, Claire Hickey, David McLucas, David Stewart, David Ness, Donna Ferns, Frank McLaren, Gillian MacDonald, Grace McLaren, Iona McIlvenny, Jacqueline Duncan, James Wilson, Jamie Brownlie, Katie Wilson, Kelly Woodburn, Kenzie Mclucas, Lucy Crawford, Lucy-ella Richer, Mark Hinton, Mohammad Faiz Khalid, Phillip Nightingale, Pippa Smith, Richard Anson, Skye Rose McIlvenny, Stuart Beith and Summer McIlvenny.
To donate visit justgiving.com/team/im2c.
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