A LOCAL charity champ is taking on two tough fitness challenges in memory of her dad and to help two charities.

Amy McLaughlan, who is a community fundraiser for Alzheimer Scotland Inverclyde, is aiming to raise £1,000 by taking on her first sprint triathlon at Loch Lomond in July, followed by her first open water swim in September.

The 35-year-old will be raising money for Alzheimer Scotland, where she has worked for 18 months, and the Brain Tumour Charity.

She picked the latter organisation, through her own 'Small but Mighty' fund - after losing her dad to a brain tumour.

Amy set up the fund in 2015 along with supporters to raise money for research - and it surpassed £50,000 this year.

She said: "As soon as my dad was diagnosed I hit Google and I was shocked at the level of funding and progress that was being made.

"The prognosis is poor, with funding for brain tumour research at only about two per cent of national cancer research spend.

"It was a horrible feeling.

"We wanted to help and the only way to do that was to fundraise.

"I think the fund is something I will always keep going, it's important.

"We reached £50k this year and we were delighted.

"We can't thank the people who have helped enough, they have been amazing, going above and beyond with their fundraising efforts."

Amy added: "I also chose Alzheimer Scotland because it's a fantastic cause and I am very proud to work here.

"All the staff are so passionate about helping people and it's so inspiring to know that you have genuinely helped."

Amy has taken on a number of challenges over the last few years but says the triathlon has been in her sights for a while.

She said: "It's been a nemesis of mine, I started training for it a while ago but it didn't happen.

"I am now finally signed up."

Amy is training five days a week for the events.

To make a pledge to her sponsorship fund visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=TeamSmallbutMighty&pageUrl=5