Six miles of smiles
Renfrewshire volunteers complete KiltWalk
A leading charity hit the streets tartan- clad to raise awareness of the challenges facing children growing up in care.
Who Cares? Scotland took on the KiltWalk to coin in almost £2,000 for the cause, while combating the stigma faced by youngsters.
Volunteers completed the Wee Wander – a six- mile jaunt across Glasgow – with some famous faces joining in along the way.
Tom Ellis, star of American telly hit Lucifer, Eastenders and Dr Who, took part, alongside entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter.
Alice Ferguson, one of the walkers, who grew up in care in Renfrewshire and is now an ambassador for the cause, hailed families for backing their efforts.
She said: “We called our team the Renfrewshire Rebels because we’re determined to speak out to make care better for all young people.
“I asked everyone I knew, including senior managers in social work at Renfrewshire Council, if they would walk alongside me and other young people with experience of the care system. “The response was just brilliant. “It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done and a few of us struggled a bit, but we never gave up.
“I even had to carry someone else’s dog in my arms most of the way, when it refused to walk.
“The team spirit on the day was amazing, and the crowds were cheering us all on as we crossed the finish line.
“It’s brilliant how much people have got behind us by donating.”
The charity – which helps young people across the district – says significant challenges are faced by those in care.
It revealed only four per cent go to university straight from school, while others struggle to find work and even housing.
Donations are still being accepted after the challenge last month.
For more information about Who Cares? Scotland, email renfrewshire@whocaresscotland. org
To give what you can, visit https:// glasgowkiltwalk2017.everydayhero. com/uk/alice-2.