TWO tartan trekking pensioner pals are ready for a long walk in support of friends facing up to cancer.

Jimmy Law and Forbes Dowling have signed up for the Kiltwalk on April 24 and every step they take will raise money for Breast Cancer UK.

Jimmy, 71, and Forbes, 72, will walk 22.6 miles from Glasgow Green to Balloch in a show of support for two close friends who have recently been diagnosed with and are going through intensive treatment.

Jimmy says his friends' spirits have been buoyed knowing that the pair will be walking for them on the day.

He added: "It's given them a huge lift knowing that we're tackling this challenge with them in our thoughts and I know it will mean a lot to them.

"People have very kindly donated money for us to do it, so we need to go on and complete it.

"We've been covering our 10,000 steps a day in training and we'll be building that up as we get nearer to the event."

This will be Jimmy and Forbes' third Kiltwalk and more than £1,100 has already been raised for the cause thanks to a charity night at the Loreto Club in Greenock.

Jimmy's friend Angela McEwan organised a night full of music and fun, and a fantastic array of raffle prizes donated by businesses all over Inverclyde brought in lots of money.

KIltwalk founder Sir Tom Hunter and his charity foundation will top up all donations by 50 per cent.

Jimmy and Forbes have supported a number of charities - including Prostate Cancer UK, Ayrshire Hospice, CHAS and Cystic Fibrosis - over the years.

As they both have connections to the railway, ScotRail has also pledged to donate money to Ardgowan Hospice when their walk is complete.

Jimmy worked for Scotrail for 41 years and Forbes' uncle Charlie Belford was the foreman at Wemyss Bay Station.

Jimmy says he and Forbes are looking forward to savouring the atmosphere on the day and have thanked backers for their support.

He added: "We would like to say a special thank-you to Angela for organising the charity night and for the amount that's been raised so far.

"Hopefully the weather will be good for us and it will be a great day."

To donate to the pair's appeal online, visit www.justgiving.com and search for The Railway Children (Jimmy Law and Forbes Dowling).

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WALK THIS WAY Jimmy Law and Forbes Dowling