A DEDICATED multiple sclerosis fundraiser from Gourock provoked a charity chain reaction among a group of cyclists who used pedal power to collect more than £2,600 for charity.

Former teacher Louise Newman inspired participants in the annual Georgetown Cup fundraising road race to generate cash for MS Society Scotland.

The event, organised by the Glasgow Couriers cycling club, took place in Inchinnan during the September bank holiday weekend.

Louise, who used to teach business studies at Greenock Academy and then Clydeview and was a keen cyclist, had to quit her job when she was diagnosed with MS in 2011.

She battles constantly with exhaustion and pain but still manages to devote a lot of her time to raising awareness of the condition and supporting MS Society Scotland.

Her story and bravery inspired the cycling club and friend Geoff Smith to run the race in aid of the charity.

A tremendous £2,600 has been raised and Louise is delighted at the gesture.

She said: “They did it last year and again this year and they said ‘we will see you next year’.

“It was an amazing day.

“I was there with my husband David and sister Philomena, who made cakes and helped serve tea and coffee.

“We also went around selling raffle tickets and people just put money in the till and paid extra for the cakes and drinks.

“About £600 was raised on the day and then I heard through Geoff they raised just short of £2,000 from the race.

“I would like to thank everyone for their generosity.” The race is one of the biggest events of its kind in Scotland, with more than 190 entries this year alone.

Overall winners of the cup for the second year in a row were the Fullarton Wheelers, pictured with Louise.

She said: “Everyone was just so generous.

“I want to thank all the volunteers who came out to help with things like timekeeping and marshalling.” Earlier this year Louise held her annual fun swim event at Gourock Outdoor Pool and raked in a fantastic £2,500 for the MS Society.

She has helped generate close to £15,000 to date for the charity from various events.