TWO sisters stepped up to complete a 20-mile walking challenge in memory of their late father.

Lisa Bilsland and sister Angela Archdeacon trekked around the Isle of Cumbrae twice to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation in tribute to dad George Fyfe, 79.

George, who worked with IBM in Greenock for many years as an engineer, was very fit and active, taking part in the Edinburgh Marathon and enjoying golf and swimming.

He regularly cycled to work from his home in Wemyss Bay, but after retiring he suffered a heart attack when swimming at Gourock Pool around ten years ago.

A doctor and nurse were in the pool at the time and provided immediate CPR, saving his life.

George was subsequently fitted with a pacemaker and defibrillator.

He sadly passed away in February this year following further heart problems.

Lisa, 45, who works at Slater, Hogg and Howison in her home town of Largs, said: "My father was very active so it goes to show that you can still have a fit and healthy lifestyle but still be affected by heart disease.

"It was very fortunate when he was swimming at Gourock ten years ago that there was a doctor and nurse in the pool at the same time who were able to rush to his aid.

"Despite the setback, he still carried on with his walking, swimming and golf - and he did his very best to walk the dog.

"He had been so fit and healthy but eventually his heart just couldn't keep going.

"Working at IBM for many years, my dad made many great friendships and he loved living in Wemyss Bay."

George is survived by wife Anne, who lives in Morar Road.

Lisa and Angela, 43, who also lives in Wemyss Bay, raised the impressive sum of £3,100 for the charity through their big trek.

Lisa said: "We wanted to do the virtual kiltwalk to raise funds for a charity which is close to our hearts and to give something back.

"We had never tackled the kiltwalk before and it seemed a great opportunity to raise funds for such an important cause.

"We thought that the Isle of Cumbrae would be the ideal location - and walking round it twice represented a bit more of a challenge."

The link for donations is still open at https://virtual.thekiltwalk.co.uk/fundraising/ScotlandsVirtualKiltwalk2021-LisaBilsland