THREE pals are taking on an iconic Scottish challenge to mark the tenth anniversary of the loss of a special lady.

Chris Thomson, his cousin John Thomson and their friend Robert Derrick are in training to tackle the 96-mile West Highland Way trek over just two days.

They have decided to take on the tough challenge in aid of Breast Cancer Care to mark 10 years since Chris's mum Christine passed away after a brave fight against breast cancer at the age of just 51.

Chris, who is married to Joanne and dad to one-year-old Shay, said: "As it's my mum's 10th anniversary this year, we're going to decorate a tree with pink tinsel like a Christmas tree every 10 miles.

"Christmas was my mum's favourite time of the year so we thought it was a nice way to mark that."

The guys will set off from Milngavie on Saturday October 5 at 4am and will walk 52 miles to Tyndrum on the first day, followed by a 44 mile trek to Fort William the following day.

Chris, who comes from Greenock but now lives in Port Glasgow, said: "Everyone I've spoken to says most people do the West Highland Way over five days but due to work and family commitments, we've decided to do it over two days.

"We will get through it.

"We've got a support van and some of our friends are going to join us for different sections of the route.

"Anyone else who would like to walk with us for part of the route is more than welcome."

Robert, 34, from Greenock, is a prolific fundraiser for charity who has climbed mountains and tackled other gruelling physical fundraisers.

He expects this one to be the toughest yet but is undaunted.

He said: "I was more scared when we done the Three Peaks Challenge.

"I'm really looking forward to this."

John, 38, from Greenock, says he is ready for what lies ahead.

He said: "I'm really excited about it.

"Training is going well and we've got three weeks to go."

Since Christine passed away, Chris and his family and friends have raised almost £70,000 for Breast Cancer Care.

They hold a Breast Cancer Ball in Greenock Town Hall and this year's is on Saturday October 19.

To sponsor the upcoming walk visit https://inmemory.breastcancercare.org.uk/Platforms/BCC/InMemoryOf/Display.aspx?Title=christine-thomson