Fundraisers plaid it well for charities
Hundreds of Buddies pounded the pavements at the weekend as they took part in this year’s Kiltwalk to raise cash for their chosen charities.
This year’s Kiltwalk made a spectacular return after covid forced the popular event to go virtual last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But Sunday saw thousands of walkers - including many from across Renfrewshire - don their tartan kilts and their walking boots to take on the long distance event which kicked off at Glasgow Green.
Walkers had a choice of two distances: the 16.5-mile Mighty Stride, starting at Glasgow Green and ending at Dumbarton’s Meadow Park; or the 3.5 mile Wee Wander from Glasgow Green to the Riverside Museum.
This year’s events were tailored to accommodate social distancing, with walkers setting off from 7am in a series of staggered starts.
One Kiltwalker who went the distance was Neilston dad Anwar Rafiq, who set off to raise cash for the Neilston War Memorial Association.
The 51-year-old has raised more than £2,000 in total for the organisation and said he has been left overwhelmed by the response.
He said: “I really wanted to do the Kiltwalk for a local organisation this year so I contacted the Neilston War Memorial Association.
“I was a bit apprehensive as I hadn’t actually managed to raise that much and I was worried I was going to let them down.
“But I had an idea for businesses to sponsor my t-shirt which was great and really helped bring up the total which was fantastic.
“The easy bit was the walking. All the folk which helped me raise as much as I did were the ones that did the work.
“I’m really grateful.”
Anwar is no stranger to going the distance, having completed the Kiltwalk last year to raise funds for Lapwing Lodge which is on a fundraising mission to raise £25,000 to remain open.
Anwar also completed another charity challenge for Barrhead’s Include Me 2 Club which saw him get the walking bug and shed an incredible three stone.
His aim to take on this year’s Kiltwalk was almost over before it began as Anwar injured his knee just weeks ago.
He added: “I almost thought I was going to have to pull out.
“But I iced my knee for a week and took it wasy and thankfully it all worked out.”
Alongside Anwar, there was a long list of Renfrewshire walkers who took on the 16.5 mile trek, including the Star Project’s Connie Hyndman.
The charity’s creative project assistant raised more than £400 for the oragnisation and fellow local group Create Paisley.
Speaking on a post to the charity’s Facebook page, Connie said: ““My legs are starting to seize but it was well worth it.
“The last two miles I wasn’t sure if I was going to to it - but I have done it and I am so proud.”
Make sure to pick up a copy of the Paisley Daily Express tomorrow for a full Kiltwalk picture spread.