A CARING man from Neilston is set to take on three huge challenges to help spread Christmas cheer when the festive season comes around. 

Anwar Rafiq, 53, will be taking part in the Aberdeen, Dundee, and Edinburgh Kiltwalks this year to support Neilston Players’ Santa sleigh appeal.

The community organisation recently set up a fundraiser to get a new Santa sleigh in time for Christmas so they can hold their annual Santa Run, as their current one is in urgent need of replacement.

Anwar, who is set to take on the “mighty strides” in aid of the appeal, said: “I’ve already done the Glasgow Kiltwalk for Include Me 2 Club and I raised over £1000.

“I’ve now signed up for the mighty strides in Aberdeen on June 4, Dundee on August 20, and Edinburgh on September 17.

“The reason I’ve signed up for these is to support a local cause called Neilston Players with their Santa appeal.

“I spoke with David Dewhurst and Stuart McLellan at the community organisation and said I would try and give the appeal a wee boost although they have raised nearly £3000 already.

“Their target is £10,000 so they can replace their Santa sleigh which has served the community well, but Santa needs new wheels and hopefully the people and businesses of Neilston and the surrounding areas who have supported me before will get behind the campaign.”

The Kiltwalk is Scotland’s largest mass participation walking event with more than 120,000 walkers taking part in it since 2016.

Fundraisers have raised £24.6 million to date, with Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation topping it up by £12.5 million.

Four cities across Scotland currently hold the walks: Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Dundee.

The 53-year-old, who takes pride in his local community, has previously supported several good causes.

Anwar said he has helped The War Memorial, Lapwing Lodge, and Include Me 2 Club.

Ready to take on the three massive walks, he said he’s “feeling fit” but each one of them will be a challenge, however, he’s hoping to stay “blister free.”