A GREENOCK mum preparing to conquer the Great Wall of China in memory of her courageous dad has organised a charity race night in his honour.

Karen Taylor from Larkfield will complete an epic nine day gruelling challenge next year in aid of MND Scotland to remember her father Tam Taylor, a former marine who passed away in November 2016 at the age of 65 due to motor neurone disease.

Before the tenacious 39-year-old sets off on her oriental adventure next year she is on a mission to raise £4,000 for the charity.

To try and reach her target, Karen has organised a race night in the Custom House Hotel in Greenock next week.

Karen, who is mum to Xander, eight, said: "This is all about raising funds for MND Scotland and also raise awareness of MND.

"I want to give something back to the charity.

"When the nurses came in to see my dad it was a light relief because you know that they personally care for that person.

"My dad kept them going and they enjoyed coming in to see my dad.

"We got so much help, support and resources, that's why it's good for us to feel that we are helping other people."

Since her father’s death, Karen and her family - including her mum Evelyn, brother Nicol and his wife Claire - have worked relentlessly to raise money and awareness for the charity.

Karen's mum Evelyn added: "The charity was a great support to us.

"This is about paying them back for all the support they gave us and my dad."

Since April this year Karen has raised about £2,300 for the charity through a tombola at the Tesco store in Port Glasgow and selling second hand clothes at tabletop sales throughout the area.

She also held a bucket collection at the Beacon Arts Centre.

Karen said: "It's amazing the support we have had get, we are overwhelmed.

"There are so many people who are affected by MND who tell you their stories and you end up having a wee hug and a greet with them.

"I also received an unexpected donation from a lovely taxi driver which boosted the funds."

As well as the race night, Karen and her mum will also be doing a bag pack at the Port Glasgow Tesco store on Saturday December 15 and will be at Cappielow for another bucket collection on December 8.

Tickets for the race night on Friday December 7 at the Custom House Hotel cost £7.50.

Karen is keen to thank the businesses who have sponsored the race night so far, including Greenock TSB, the Inverkip Hotel, Whyte & Christie joiners and Grierson Plumbing.

Anyone who would like to sponsor a race can phone 07739767405.

Doors on the evening open at 7pm before the first race starts at 7.30pm.