Mother and daughter form a tartan twosome for a major charity challenge

Mother and daughter duo Helene and Karen Coyle, from Port Glasgow, have signed up to take on the 23-mile Glasgow Kiltwalk in aid of the Combat Stress charity.

They are aiming to raise £1,000 for the organisation which helps veterans like Karen’s dad James, who is 60.

Karen, 31, says her dad is suffering from trauma-related mental health issues, including PTSD.

She said: “He was left to battle it alone until he found the courage to reach out and ask for help.

"My dad, being a proud man, found this very difficult to do because of the stigma that goes along with the labels that get attached to PTSD.

“He contacted his GP, who has been wonderful in helping get in touch with Combat Stress, and he has been there twice for assessment and some treatment.

"He has found the help he has received from them invaluable.”

Karen and her mum Helene, 54, have tackled the kiltwalk previously and are in training again for this year's.

Karen said: “We went for the 23 miles, as we love a bit of a challenge.

“We are pounding the streets as much as we can and although my mum has managed to fracture a toe that isn't holding her back.

“We can’t wait for the atmosphere - it's just so uplifting from all the people who come to cheer you on to the other walkers.

"It's nice to get to know them and their reasons for choosing their charity.

“I’ll also be looking forward to seeing my wee girl who will be waiting for us at the finish line.”

Helene and Karen are hoping to raise awareness as well as cash.

Karen said: “Combat Stress took over 15,000 calls last year and seven thousand of those were first time callers.

“This charity has saved the lives of so many veterans who were at the end and reached out to them including my own dad.

“I would like to help these veterans who have placed their lives on the front line so that we could live in peace."

To sponsor Helene and Karen visit https://glasgowkiltwalk2019.everydayhero.com/uk/helene

PICS BY ALEX CRAIG