A GROUP of 'ferry' generous colleagues have covered over 500 miles in July to raise money for children who have cancer.

Eleven staff members at the CalMac Wemyss Bay terminal have been walking, cycling or running 50 miles or more each to raise funds to send youngsters and their families for a break on Bute with the Calum's cabin charity.

The team were inspired to fundraise after they heard about the work that the charity - set up in memory of Rothesay boy Calum Speirs - does for Scottish families.

Coleen O'Neill says the exercise challenge has brought staff together.

Coleen said: "Calum's dad works in our Rothesay office so we know him quite well from the ferry going back and forth.

"It's a really special charity and means so much to so many people who travel on our route, so we knew we wanted to do something.

"With the pandemic we were limited to what our options were but despite us all completing our miles separately, it's brought us closer together than ever before."

Coleen, 39, is completing the challenge with colleagues Holly Parker, Fiona Francis, Jonathan Rennie, Ross Brown, Paul Milloy, Daniella Mcintosh, Taylor Cairns, Kerry Law, Rachel McClure and Rebecca McDermid and the group are hoping they will hit their target of £2,000.

The group have been encouraging each other throughout the month and the challenge has helped many of them stay fit and active during lockdown.

Coleen said: "For some people it's been quite easy as they're usually cycling to and from work, for others it's been a real challenge.

"It has helped people have something to focus on during this time.

"We've all been wearing our Calum's Cabin t-shirts out and about and have been so well supported by family and friends."

Calum's Cabin offer holiday homes on the Isle of Bute for children suffering from cancer or a cancer-related disease, where the entire family can come together and make special irreplaceable memories.

It was set up after Calum passed away at just 12-years-old following a battle against a brain tumour.

With all their fundraising events cancelled for the foreseeable future, Coleen and the team believe it's more vital than ever to help them.

She added: "The charity does incredible work so we want to raise as much as possible.

"We're really thankful to everyone who has supported us so far, it's exciting seeing the total go up and up."

To donate to the CalMac for Calum fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/calmacforcallum