A DEDICATED group of Auchinleck guys have raised thousands of pounds for a cancer charity after completing a 96-mile walk.

The six mates battled through the West Highland Way walk last month in support of Children with Cancer UK.

They were raising money in support of a friend, Stewart McPheators, who lost his son to leukaemia almost 40 years ago.

Starting the walk on September 18, they reached their final destination on Sunday, September 22 and have raised an incredible £4,820 for the charity.

One of the walkers, Craig McCormack, said the group decide to combine an ambition for them all with raising money for a good cause.

Completing their challenge after the 96-mile trek.Completing their challenge after the 96-mile trek. (Image: Submitted) “We took on the walk and we had a brilliant support team to see us away and get us at the finishing line as well," Craig said.

“It was in memory of Stewart’s wee boy, Garry, who died with leukaemia when he was five years old, and he’d be turning 44 this year, so we all wanted to do something to support a charity like this that supports youngsters going through similar things.

“This is always something I’d wanted to do, so I thought that I might as well do it for charity and try and help out a wee bit if I could.

“The support we’ve had has been amazing."

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While stopping at the various spots across the way, the group took in the sites and even had the luxury of staying in grand campervans for the week.

Various local businesses supported their cause, with Craig also reverting to vintage fundraising tactics to top up the cash.

He added: “Gibson campervan rentals helped us out with the use of two campervans for the five days, so that was a massive help for us as well.

“We’ve had a good few local businesses sponsoring us and we had a JustGiving page that raised about £1,300. The rest came from donations through sponsor sheets and doing it the old-fashioned way.

“The actual walk was hard, but it was doable and it was a great feeling when we eventually finished it.

“I’m glad we all did it. The scenery was amazing and we got a good laugh together throughout it and we managed to help a great charity, so it was perfect.