A PORT GLASGOW woman preparing to represent Scotland on the global powerlifting stage has paid tribute to the colleague who is getting set to scale Britain's highest peak in support of her cause.

As reported in the Tele earlier this week, Linda McHaffie has been selected to compete in the Commonwealth Power Lifting and Bench Press Championships this October.

The 56-year-old only took up the sport last year with encouragement from personal trainer David McGowan, owner of McGowan Fitness Training, where Linda trains regularly.

Linda McHaffie is raising funds to compete in South Africa in October.Linda McHaffie is raising funds to compete in South Africa in October. (Image: alex craig)

She is holding a race night in the Hibs Hall in the town on Saturday to help generate funds, and has also received a grant of £250 from the Inverclyde Sports Council.

But her colleague Joe Thomson is also getting set to support Linda's effort by climbing Ben Nevis next month.

Linda said: “Joe has been a total rock, like my trainer David has, and has given me so much support and encouragement.

“I’m so thankful that he’s taking on Ben Nevis to raise money.

“I will be ground control on the day, and I’ll be waiting with a hot cup of tea and a roll for when he gets back down.

“I think there are about six of them taking on the challenge.

“I just want to say a huge ‘thank-you’ to everyone for supporting me.”

The Commonwealth Championships are due to kick off on October 4, and Joe, who also trains out of McGowan Fitness Training, says he didn't have to think twice about trekking up Ben Nevis in order to raise funds for the cause, insisting Linda's story is such a big thing for Port Glasgow as a town.

Joe Thomson, pictured with David McGowan, is in training to climb Ben Nevis in September.Joe Thomson, pictured with David McGowan, is in training to climb Ben Nevis in September. (Image: alex craig)

He told the Tele: "Linda has been training in powerlifting for just over a year now and has competed in several competitions.

"This has seen her take home a silver medal in one competition, the Scottish Masters, and taking part in the British Masters in Belfast, finishing seventh in her discipline.

"She will be travelling to Sun City at the start of October representing Scotland after being invited to the team.

"This is a huge deal for her, our gym and the town of Port Glasgow.

"Hopefully people can get behind one of their own who's representing them on the big stage."

If you'd like to sponsor Joe, you can do so via tinyurl.com/joethomsonbennevis.