A GROUP of dedicated women from Troon Welbeck Golf Club are stepping out to support charity MND Scotland with a 180k virtual walk this Thursday.

Each year the club holds an open ladies golf competition in August to raise funds for their chosen charity, however due to Covid-19 this year’s event had to be cancelled.

Not to be discouraged, 19 members of the club will be taking on the challenge of walking 180k between them – the equivalent of walking from their club in Troon to St Andrews, the home of golf.

MND is a rapidly progressing terminal illness, which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles. This may cause someone to lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink or breathe unaided.

Anne Fraser, one of the members taking part, said “We decided to choose MND Scotland this year for a number of reasons.

We are very aware that charities are finding it difficult to raise funds in these challenging times and MND Scotland does such a wonderful job supporting people with motor neurone disease, as well as seeking a much-wanted cure.

We know that MND is a devastating condition for those affected and their families. A number of our members have lost friends and relatives or indeed have relatives diagnosed with MND.

MND Scotland does excellent work locally through their support group in Irvine and we are very conscious of the need for both support and for research to find a cure.”

On August 13 the group will be taking to streets to walk individually, or in pairs, to reach their target of walking 180k for MND Scotland.

Anne added: “The idea was developed as a concept during the first stage of lockdown when ladies were walking on their own for exercise.

"The walks will take place in a number of locations close to where the ladies stay including in Ayr, Troon, Kilmaurs, Irvine, Kilmarnock and Dundonald.

“We have now raised £1,500 and are hoping to take this up to £2,000, so if anyone is able to support our efforts you can a make donation through our fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/twgc-ladies-charity-walk.”

Iain McWhirter, MND Scotland’s head of fundraising, said “I’d like to thank Anne and all the members of Troon Welbeck Golf Club who are taking part in the virtual walk.

"It’s because of supporters like this we are able to continue providing vital support to families affected by MND, especially during these uncertain times.”