GREENOCK football ace Nicky Low is paying tribute to a much-missed friend by taking on a mammoth charity challenge.

The Clydebank midfielder, who previously starred for Aberdeen and Dundee, will be walking from Rankin Park in the town all the way to Celtic Park in Glasgow and back again on Saturday, to raise money in memory of Joe Cooke. 

Joe tragically died on May 10 last year aged just 42 after suffering an aneurysm and a cardiac arrest brought on by undiagnosed polycystic kidney disease.

Nicky had been a close friend of Joe's for 10 years and was devastated when he passed away. 

Over the last year, Joe's wife Dawn and her friends and family have been raising money to be shared between local charities and the renal unit at Inverclyde Royal. 

Greenock Telegraph:
Nicky, 32, says he's pleased to be able to help the family and pay tribute to Joe.

He said: "I met Joe about 10 years ago through our friend Tommy Molloy, and as soon as I met him I knew I liked him. 

"We all used to drink in the Black Cat pub. 

"Joe had an infectious laugh and was such a popular guy.

"I'm just so happy I knew him.

"It was such a shock getting the news on the day he died. 

"When I found out that Dawn and her family were raising money in Joe's memory, I wanted to get involved."

A fundraising page for the challenge has already raised more than £1,600 and Nicky is aiming to smash the £2,000 mark. 

He will set off from Greenock early on Saturday morning and navigate his way through back roads and cycle paths to get to get to Parkhead. 

He wants to complete the trek within 24 hours so will be walking in the dark with a head torch. 
Nicky says it will be tough but he is looking forward to it.

He added: "I'm buzzing about it. 

"Now that it's official and people are donating it's becoming a bit more daunting.

"Joe has a brick at Celtic Park, so I'll stop for a wee while when I get there to see it and pay tribute.

"A few people have told me they might come along for some of the route to support me which is brilliant as well.

"I know that Joe would be proud but would think I was crazy for doing it.

"It's going to be the toughest challenge I've ever taken on but I will do it for Joe."

Greenock Telegraph:
Nicky, who works with young people involved in Man On Inverclyde's football academy, praised Joe's wife for her dedication to raising money in Joe's memory. 

He added: "Dawn has been through such a terrible time but she has shown she's a warrior. 

"She has amazing friends who are helping her through it and have been there for her all the time."

Dawn said a huge 'thank-you' to Nicky for taking on the trek and said she will be there to support him. 

She added: "This is a huge challenge for Nicky to take on. 

"We are so proud of him for doing it and I know Joe would be too. 

"It means so much to us all. 

"As a family we are forever grateful for the support we are receiving from everyone in memory of Joe."

To donate to the sponsorship fund visit www.gofundme.com/f/nicky-low-walk-run-for-24-hours-for-joe-cooke-200424