A kind-hearted man from Mauchline who walked 21 miles through the towns and villages of East Ayrshire to raise vital funds for Whiteleys in Ayr has raised over £1,000 for the charity.

Dave Ferguson, 73, completed the Big Stroll as part of the Virtual Kiltwalk Weekend.

He went on to receive generous donations from neighbours and friends for his efforts, bringing his final total to just under £600.

But the local man soon reached the even greater sum of £1,200 after Sir Tom Hunter decided to match all charitable donations by 100 per cent, meaning an even bigger financial boost for Whiteleys.

Dave, who has volunteered at the charity for two years, said: “The generosity of Sir Tom Hunter is really well known but it is always welcome indeed.

“I want to take the opportunity to say thanks to everyone. In this day and age, where things are so uncertain, to have that generosity is really quite humbling.

“The biggest thing was raising awareness of the work Whiteleys does for children with cancer and life limiting illnesses. Families get to create really special memories.

“Hopefully I’ll get to do the Glasgow Kiltwalk next year, but if it’s still not on, I’ll still do the Virtual Kiltwalk and might add in Sorn and Ochiltree too.”