AN AYR dad who was left touched by the work of a local respite charity will climb Mount Kilimanjiro to raise cash for them.

Ciaran McBride, 37, has set his sights on the African peak in aid of Whiteleys Retreat after completing a 23 mile run over two days for the charity for a Virtual Kiltwalk.

The Virgin Money bank manager was inspired after he visited the charity’s stunning Alloway countryside haven last year.

Ayr Advertiser:

He then jumped at the chance to support the amazing work of Whiteleys when he first got wind of a trek up the world’s tallest free standing mountain.

Ciaran told the Advertiser: “I worked at the Virgin Money branch in Ayr. We all decided last year to look into supporting a local cause.

“We went out to visit Whiteleys to find out all about the amazing work that they do and how they have helped people in the community.

“They told us all the different things they had planned for fundraising such as the Kiltwalk.

“But when I heard about Kilimanjaro I thought, ‘I could do that’.”

The trek is scheduled over a 10 day trip to Africa between July 1 and 11 next year, with Ciaran joining other fundraisers as they bid to reach the top.

Ciaran who has a six-year-old daughter Amelia, felt moved to help other families by raising cash.

He said: “As a charity, what Whiteleys do for children, even for the families of children who are sick, is just amazing.

“As a parent you hope you never have to face anything like what these families go through, but to know a charity like that exists is really inspiring.”

Ciaran, who has now left the Ayr office for a new role, has already raised £1,120 during the virtual Kiltwalk weekender which replaced the events set to take place across Scotland.

Over two days, he ran 23 miles by completing two half-marathons for the charity.

Ciaran added: “I’m up at £1,120 so far, but I want to keep adding to it.

“I’m hoping there are more things we can get involved in, even with some events in 2021 once it’s safe to do so.

You can donate to Ciaran’s Kilimanjaro climb by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ciaranmcbride-whiteleysretreat