TWO midwives from Gourock are pulling on their hiking boots and going the extra mile for charity.

Mary McKnight and Dawn Robertson have signed up to take part in the Rob Roy Mighty Hike in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Having taken part in the event last year the friends decided to sign up again and will be joined by three colleagues, Linda McGhee, Suzie McFarlane and Gail Cameron.

Mary said: “Myself, Dawn and our colleague Gail did the event last year and we loved it. We have been walking together for the last few years and decided to try and raise money for charity.

“There was such a buzz on the day and it was so well organised. Between us we managed to raise around £3,000.

“We enjoyed the event so much that just after finishing we had decided to sign up again.”

Dawn and Mary live in Gourock so they have been training together for the event with the others training when they can.

Dawn said: “Our training is underway, we try to cover around 10-15 miles a training sessions and try to train twice a week.

“While we are all doing individual training we have been trying to get out together when we can.

“We are so lucky that there are so many nice walks in Inverclyde and we can change up the route.”

The team will cover the 26 mile route from Callander to Killin along the Rob Roy Way through the Trossachs National Park on August 31 and are looking forward to it.

Mary said: “The atmosphere is great and we are excited to do it again. Everyone is so friendly and you hear all the stories of why they are taking part, it is really inspiring.”

Dawn added: “we are all looking forward to it. It will definitely help doing it in a group, we chat and laugh and it passes the time and keeps us going. Its not a race for us just a good day out with friends.

“The sense of achievement in knowing you have completed it and helped raise money for Macmillan makes it all worthwhile.”

The team are hoping to raise as much as they can to help Macmillan nurses continue their work.

Mary said: “They do an excellent job for patients and families, covering a spectrum of cancer-related activities.

“Macmillan Cancer Support help people find the best way through after a cancer diagnosis so people are able to live their life as fully as they can. The help with treatment, emotional and financial support, physical support and with information.

“No one should face cancer alone.”

To support Mary visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/marymcknight2019

To support Dawn visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dawn-robertson7