A COMMUNITY champion is stepping forward once again to raise cash for a good cause in East Renfrewshire.

Anwar Rafiq, from Neilston, will tackle the Dundee Kiltwalk on August 21 for Barrhead-based Include Me 2 Club (IM2C), which helps people who have a disability or additional support needs.

It will be the fourth time the dad-of-two has taken part in the 26-mile Mighty Stride but his first in the City of Discovery.

He told the Barrhead News: “I’ve put my target down as £1,000 but every little helps.

“I’ve been getting out and building up the mileage in preparation.”

Through previous walks, Anwar has coined in thousands of pounds for the Neilston War Memorial Association and another cause close to the Scout leader’s heart, Lapwing Lodge.

On this occasion, he has decided to do the walk for IM2C because he is linking up with the charity on a new initiative.

Anwar will lead the charity’s new walking group, Well Walks Neilston, which aims to help people boost their mental and physical wellbeing.

It is hoped the group will replicate the success of IM2C’s Barrhead Well Walks, which have been in operation since 2020.

Anwar said: “A couple of years ago, I snapped my cruciate ligament and went to hospital, where the surgeon said they couldn’t operate because I wasn’t fit or doing sport, so I started walking and I’ve not looked back.

“Everybody has to start somewhere, so we will start off slowly and see how it goes.”

Paul McIlvenny, founder of IM2C, is delighted to receive Anwar’s backing and is confident Well Walks Neilston will be a hit with locals.

He said: “Anwar is well known in Neilston for his voluntary work, so it’s a really good fit for us to pair up and for him to lead on the Well Walks.”

To make a donation, visit dundee.thekiltwalk.co.uk/fundraising/DundeeKiltwalk2022-AnwarRafiq.

To indicate your interest in joining the Neilston Well Walks, email Info@includeme2club.org.uk or call 0141 881 0544.