A TOP team are gearing up for the Glasgow Kiltwalk to raise funds for a charity close to their hearts.

Slimming World consultants Lisa McNellis, Jackie Fraser and Emma Jane Murdoch, are clocking up more than 20 miles a week in preparation for the event on April 28.

Lisa, 46, of Gateside Gardens in Greenock, wanted to gather cash for Spinal Research inspired by the bravery of her friend Steven McGhee.

Steven was only 25 when he was paralysed after falling into a hotel pool on a stag do abroad, hitting his head on a concrete edge and breaking his neck.

Lisa said: "In a split second his life changed beyond all recognition.

"He spent 15 months in the Southern General.

"He uses a wheelchair and is hooked up to a ventilator and needs carers 24/7 and had to move back in with his parents.

"You could understand if he wanted just to curl up into a ball.

"He has had his dark moments and as heartbreaking as it is, he is such an inspiration with his positive attitude and work through the charity Spinal Injuries Scotland."

Jackie, 52, from Port Glasgow, was also moved by Steven's story.

She said: "I have a son the same age as Steven was when he had his accident, it could happen to anyone."

Twelve years on Steven, a physiology graduate, is now studying for a psychology degree through the Open University and is helping other people in the same situation.

Lisa and Steven became pals on twitter through their love of Celtic Football Club.

They hit it off when Lisa herself was going a difficult time with depression

She said: "I had isolated myself, so I used twitter to keep up social contact.

"We're both Celtic supporters and I started following Steven and we'd talk about different things, then my brother passed away and Steven sensed there was something wrong.

"I told him what happened and he said 'well if you need to talk, sometimes it's easier to talk to a stranger."

They became firm friends and now often go to Celtic matches together.

Lisa, said: "We started training before Christmas and we're walking from the Hungry Horse to McInroy's Point, three or four times a week."

If anyone wants to support the team they can visit: https://glasgowkiltwalk2019.everydayhero.com/uk/jacqueline-16

Pictured are Emma Jane Murdoch, Steven and Lisa and Jackie and Lisa. Emma wasn't available for the picture at the Tele.