A PAIR of braveheart parents from Greenock will be dressed to kilt as they go the extra mile in aid of a charity close to their hearts.

Ailsa Kyle and Tony Gallagher, who will wed later this year, are gearing up for the Glasgow Kiltwalk on April 26.

The Braeside couple are doing the 23-mile Mighty Stride to raise funds for Ardgowan Hospice in memory of loved ones who were looked after by the nurses there.

Tony, 30, the cafe manager at Ravenscraig Sports Centre, said: "Both my grandads were looked after in the hospice and it was excellent.

"It's such a great facility thing to have in the town.

"You know if someone is going into the hospice that they will be looked after properly."

His fiancee Ailsa, 25, says they took part in last year's tartan-clad trek and were keen to do it again.

She said: "I got out walking loads when my daughter Iona was younger, so I'm in better physical shape."

The walk starts at Glasgow Green and goes to Dumbarton on to Loch Lomond.

Ailsa, who works in Madeira Nursery, says the atmosphere at the event is terrific and really pushes everyone on.

She said: "It's a nice walk along a few rural roads.

"There are organised singing groups and wee bands performing which really keep you going.

"The support is amazing, as you walk through some estates people put out trays of water and snacks which help push you on a bit further."

The pair have also been using the charity event as a way to keep fit for their big day on October 31.

They are getting married at The Waterside Hotel in Seamill, with their two-year-old daughter Iona as their flower girl.

Ailsa said: "It's a bit of motivation to get fit.

"I enjoy walking as well and the difference when everyone is doing it together is really inspiring."

A record number of people have signed up to do the walk for the hospice this year.

This time last year only four people had signed but the total so far this time round stands at 30.

There are still places available and anyone who is interested should call 726830.