A fighting fit group of Irvine factory workers are dusting down their walking boots for a charity challenge.

The 19-strong group of employees from Ardagh Glass packaging, and their families, are taking part in the Kiltwalk, which is being staged between Glasgow and Balloch, at the south end of Loch Lomond, on Sunday, April 30.

They are raising money for Irvine group Christians Against Poverty (CAP) who help people through the cost-of-living crisis with around £620 raised so far.

However, walker and account manager Lesley Robinson explained: “Our target is £3,000.

“In each factory, we have a community involvement ambassador and  I am the one for Irvine. Each year we  set tasks where we help in the community.

“Alan McLaren, the CAP debt centre manager, asked us to do the Kiltwalk and we felt this would good to do. Ron Graham who was was helped by the charity came along and his story was quite touching. It is nice to know you are helping locally.

“They are based at Fullarton Connexions which is just round the corner and we hope to form a partnership with CAP. We would welcome donations no matter how large or small.”

Glasgow Kiltwalk participants are able to choose between three distances - the full 22-mile Mighty Stride from Glasgow, the 15-mile Big Stroll from Clydebank, and the three-mile Wee Wander within Balloch itself, the last of them aimed partilcularly at those who are less mobile, or at families with young children, who still want to do their bit.

Lesley says she is relishing the challenge.

She continued: “I like to keep fit and walk a lot. I am doing the 15-mile walk, as are others, but two families are doing the three-mile walk. I have been doing seven or eight miles in preparation on a Friday night.

“I did the walk previously with CentreStage and it’s a fair trek.

“We have a really good team doing it, and we look forward to it. The Kiltwalk has a real good buzz about it and we just hope for good weather.

“Two years ago, we climbed Goatfell and cycled round Arran and raised about £3,000 for Crosshouse Children’s Fund and money was invested in Rainbow House at Ayrshire Central Hospital.”

Joining her on the fundraiser is Richard Lennox, environmental manager, who said: “I am doing the small three-mile walk with my wife Elizabeth and two young children Aidan and Arran and look forward to it as this is a great cause to support.”

Stephen McClelland, Ardagh Glass customer services manager, will tackle the 15-mile event and said: “I walk my dog on the golf course and anything for charity is a good cause.”

Davina McNab, of customer services, said: “I’m an avid walker and have done the West Highland Way. I'm looking forward to the 15-mile event and my daughter Heather is doing it with me,”

CAP debt centre manager Alan added: ”We are hugely grateful for the support of the Ardagh Glass workers. It will be a big help to the charity.”

Anyone who would like to help support the walkers should log on to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ardaghkiltwalk.