Walkers on the move for Eastwood

Walk for Eastwood takes place on Sunday (April 26) at Rouken Glen Park, with 75 per cent of sponsorship money going to East Renfrewshire Good Causes and 25% to the club’s other charity endeavours.

The idea is that everyone walks as much or as little as they can manage — or roll, in the case of wheelchair users — and teams from Cosgrove Care, Maxwell Mearns Castle Church, RBS, East Ren Council’s social work department are already raring to go.

Ruseel Macmillan, founder of ER Good Causes, told The Extra: “I invite everyone to show they care by taking part.

“There are teams and individuals from all walks of life doing it, some walking a kilometre and some walking 10 paces.

“It’s lovely to see that even someone who is mobility-impaired is able to do a sponsored walk. It’s not about how far you go — it’s all about taking part.”

Anyone interested in joining the fun but who hasn’t yet registered can sign up for their own 10 minute stint by turning up on the day. Donations will also be accepted from those who come along but can’t attempt the walk.

And, for those with young children, there’s another reason for heading to Rouken Glen on Sunday, as Cosgrove Care heads along with some of the ponies used in its pioneering therapy course.

The Giffnock charity — which supports adults and children with learning disabilities and mental health issues — has been boosting the confidence of service users aged eight to 16 through its Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) programme, based at Dallars Riding School in Kilmarnock.

Russell added: “Walk for Eastwood’s level tarmac course starts near the garden centre car park, and you can turn up to do your 10 minutes any time between 9am and 4pm.

“Best of all, all the money raised will be spent on a street near you.”

To find out more or for last minute registration, visit www.eastwoodrotary.org.uk/fundraising/walk-for-eastwood-fundraiser.