A CHARITY champion is marching an army of fundraisers to the top of a big hill and back down again in aid of local children.

Kind-hearted Ruth Sharkey, who works in both Aulds and Sainsbury's, is organising a sponsored hike to raise much needed funds for Children in Poverty Inverclyde's Christmas appeal.

The Greenock mum-of-three wants to reach out to support the charity, which offers hope to vulnerable families.

She is appealing for help to fund transport to Conic Hill as she takes work colleagues, family and friends along with her to reach new heights for a good cause.

Ruth, 46, from who has helped many local good causes, said: "I have had great support from work colleagues and customers.

"I just feel it is important to help people who need it the most.

"I have been involved in a number of fundraisers over the years."

Ruth has helped organise food parcels for families at Christmas.

This year she wants to support a Christmas toy appeal run by Children in Poverty's founder Pat Burke.

Ruth, who is behind the counter in the Aulds on West Stewart Street and at Sainsbury's in Gourock, added: "It is a brilliant charity helping so many children."

Keen hillwalker Ruth selected Conic Hill for a challenge that fellow fundraisers can finish and is hoping to take along a party of 30.

Now she hopes someone will step in to help keep the cost of transport down.

She added: "It is a great place for a sponsored hill walk.

"I am hoping to secure a bus to take everyone there."

The sponsored hill walk in aid of Children in Poverty Inverclyde takes place on Sunday September 29.

The charity was established a few years ago to fund holidays for struggling local families.

Thanks to thousands of pounds donated by local people they have sent hundreds of children on breaks to Hunters Quay holiday park.

Anyone who wishes to donate to Ruth's fund can visit the Children in Poverty Inverclyde page on Facebook.

Anyone who can help with transport should contact the Tele newsroom on 558908.