EXPRESS REPORTER
A cop is preparing to walk from Glasgow to Edinburgh in a mammoth challenge to raise funds for charity.
Karen Baird, 30, from Kilbarchan, will walk 56 miles – the equivalent of more than two marathons – in under 24 hours for MS Society Scotland.
Starting from Bishopbriggs at 4am tomorrow, Karen will Go East for MS, walking along the Forth and Clyde Canal and Union Canal before finishing in Edinburgh city centre in the evening.
Karen has worked as a Police Scotland response officer in Renfrewshire for almost four years and is completing the challenge in support of friends who are living with MS.
She said: “My friends Karine and Jill both have MS.
“I knew I wanted to do something to help, so I decided to take on this challenge.
“I’ve known Karine for around six years now and we worked together as custody officers. There was never a day we didn’t have a laugh and she’s been a great support to me.
“Karine loved her role as a custody officer but has unfortunately had to give up this role due to her MS symptoms.
“Despite this, she’s determined to not let MS get in her way. I couldn’t be more proud of her.
“Jill also refuses to let MS stop her living her life the way she wants to. Their strength and positivity, in spite of the challenges they face, is inspiring.
“I want to raise as much money as I can to help support other people living with MS in Scotland and in the hope that one day a cure can be found.”
More than 15,000 people in Scotland have MS, one of f the highest rates of f the condition in the e world.
Since the start rt of the lockdown n the MS Society has as offered online and nd remote support for people affected by MS including their new wellellbeing hub, where people ople can access a range e of sessions from counselling lling to physiotherapy support. port.
Karen added: “At t the start of the year, I wasn’t asn’t very active.
“After being diagnosed with a back condition, I’ve lost three stones and I’m doing lots of walking.
“An average walk for me now is between ten and 20 miles.
“I walked 30 miles recently, which was a big achievement for me.
“Walking has been great for me both mentally and physically.
“I’m excited and nervous about the walk. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while, so I think I’ll really enjoy it. Even if my legs are aching!
“I’ve never fundraised before and definitely wasn’t expecting to have raised more than £1,000 already.
“I’ve just tried to involve people as much as I can and have shared photos on social media while I’ve been training. People have had a good laugh at my selfies and have been really supportive throughout.
“Part of the fun has been giving Karine the freedom to choose my fancy dress costume for this challenge. I’ll be dressed as Where’s Wally, so I definitely won’t be missed!”
I want to raise as much money as I can to help support people with MS Karen Baird