Anwar Rafiq completes Kiltwalk for first responders

Anwar Rafiq completed the Glasgow Kiltwalk at the end of last month, raising £1,240 and counting in aid of the self-funded volunteer group which responds to medical emergencies in the community.

The money raised will will be spent locally keeping the group running and on possible future defibrillator cabinets.

Stephen Byars, the group's coordinator, told the Barrhead News: “I would just like to thank Anwar for all his hard work and dedication to raising funds for our group.

"We will certainly put his hard-earned donations to good use within the village."

Anwar is no stranger to the 22.6 mile event which starts in Glasgow’s iconic Glasgow Green before finishing up in the idyllic surrounding of Balloch, Loch Lomond.

Last year, he completed all four of Scotland’s Kiltwalks, coining in the cash for Barrhead charity Include Me 2 Club and Neilston Players’ Santa sleigh refurbishment project.

Not one for resting on his laurels, however, this year he continued to put in the steps, despite months of terrible weather.

His efforts paid off as he completed the Glasgow Kiltwalk in a personal best time of five hours and six minutes.

The dad-of-two from Neilston said: “I trained really hard for this one.

“I had to prove to myself I could do it and try and raise as much in funds as I could for the first responders who do so much great work within the community. It is like our fourth emergency service.

“The funds are vital and it’s been tough again but the public dug deep as usual in these really hard times and I thank each and every one for their Kiltwalk kindness.”

Anwar, who runs the Neilston Well Walks, also praised those from the walking group who took part.

“Well done to the guys from Neilston Well Walks – Liz Cowie, Stuart and Rheagan Dougall, Yasmeen Khan and Donna Matthews,” Added Anwar, who will also be taking on the Dundee Kiltwalk in August for another local good cause.

“I am so proud of you. You all smashed it.”

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