A GENEROUS Greenock Juniors player is swapping the pitch for a pedometer as he gears up to take on a half-marathon charity challenge.

Connor McGhee will be running 22 kilometres on Saturday June 6 to raise money for 'Man On Inverclyde' - a peer-support group for males experiencing mental health issues. The 20-year-old had initially set out to raise £500, but after just four days of fundraising he is on track to raise around £2,000.

The footballer from Inverkip told the Tele: "Greenock Juniors have been involved in helping Man On by creating mental health awareness videos for social media.

"However, I knew I wanted to take it one step further and actually raise money for the cause.

"The work that the group does is outstanding.

"I feel like a problem shared is a problem halved and a service like Man On is something that is invaluable to the community.

"Mental health is just as important as physical health, so I'm so glad to be supporting the group."

Man On launched earlier this year and it was created as the founders have all been impacted by suicide in a personal way.

Connor was inspired to help the group after hearing about the impact it has had on local men, and his friend Jason Moore is an advocate for the group.

Man On usually meet on Tuesday evenings in Branchton Community Centre, but due to the COVID-19 outbreak they have moved meetings online.

Connor, who is a Merchant Navy marine engineer trainee, told the Tele: "This money I raise will help create 'survival packs' for group members.

"These will include resources on how to work through mental health problems.

"It'll also help purchase electronic devices that group members can borrow, meaning that they won't need to miss out on virtual meetings if they don't have the resources."

Connor's 13.1-mile route will take him from Greenock town centre out through Gourock to Bankfoot Roundabout and back into Greenock on Inverkip Road.

He has thanked everyone who has donated so far, especially Clyde Auto Sales who have given him £200 towards the cause.

He added: "Blair Fisher of Clyde Auto Sales got in touch to say that what I was doing was for a great cause and he wanted to help.

"I'm overwhelmed with how generous people are being but this isn't about me, it's about raising money for Man On and spreading awareness of the work they are doing for Inverclyde men."

To find out more about the services Man On offer, visit them on Facebook.

You can donate to Connor's sponsorship fund by searching 'Man On Inverclyde Half Marathon' on Go Fund Me.