TWO Inverclyde footballers are going the extra mile to help fund pilgrimages to Lourdes.

Port Glasgow Juniors midfielder Gary Pettigrew and Greenock Morton ace Chris Millar have organised 5k and 10k races in aid of the Massabielle organisation - a group of volunteers who help to take sick and terminally ill people to the French holy destination.

Gary and Chris, who both work as personal trainers, are keen to support the group with their fundraising and they will take on the challenges on Saturday and next Friday, setting off from Parklea Playing Fields and finishing there.

Gary, 27, says the cause is close to his heart as his mum Monica volunteers with the group under the guidance of Mary Diamond, who has dedicated about 30 years to the cause.

He said: "The commitment from Mary and the rest of ladies is phenomenal.

"They are spending their retirement years constantly fundraising all year round.

"They run a shop and organise charity nights and raffles - they are totally selfless.

"So this is the least that we can do to help out a little bit."

Gary says the volunteers who help with the Lourdes trips pay their own fees - around £500 - and every penny raised from the fundraising events go towards the benefit of clients.

Throughout the year, Mary and her team of volunteers arrange a series of events such as raffles and social events.

They also run a Massabielle shop in Princes Street in Port Glasgow.

He added: "I can't stress enough how hard Mary and the ladies work all year round to fundraise.

"This is their life."

Chris, who starting pre-season training with Morton yesterday, says he's happy to support such a worthwhile cause.

The 36-year-old said: "It's for a fantastic cause so we want to help as many people as we can."

Ahead of the runs, Gary and Chris say they have been blown away by the incredible support they have received from their fitness clients who are taking part.

Gary said: "They are going out of their way to raise as much money as they possibly can.

"Some of them are even taking time off work to take part.

"So as an incentive I'm offering the person who raises the most amount of money, half a block of PT sessions for free.

"Also anyone who donates will also be put into a raffle with the chance of winning six months free of online training."

The race this Saturday is at Parklea Playing Fields at 9.30am for a 10am start while the bigger race on June 28 is 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

Participants can run either 5k or 10k with both routes available on both dates.

Willing participants are asked to make contact with Gary in advance through social media with donations and sponsorship to Massabielle very welcome.