ONE of North Ayrshire’s most successful events is backing one of the best supported charities in the local area.

As reported in last week’s Herald, North Ayrshire Athletics Club have nominated The Ayrshire Hospice as their official charity partner for this year’s NAAC10k.

This is the first time the club, a registered charity itself, have teamed up with another charity for their showpiece event.

It’s also the first time the hospice have ever been a nominated charity partner.

The club approached the hospice after two of its young members experienced first-hand the support and service which the Ayrshire Hospice has to offer.

Abbie and Amy Scott from Ardrossan, both athletes with the club, sadly lost their mum Fiona.

Fiona passed away in October 2016 aged just 42 after a brave fight with cancer.

“The hospice was a great support to our family at a very difficult time,” the girl’s dad Gareth told the Herald.

“I’m delighted the club have selected the hospice for the first ever charity sponsor of the NAAC10k. The club is a huge part of our lives and we would love to see lots of people get behind this event and support the hospice at the same time.”

Ron Swanson, Assistant Fundraising Manager at the Ayrshire Hospice said: “We are absolutely delighted that North Ayrshire Athletics Club have chosen to support the Ayrshire Hospice as their nominated charity partner for their fabulous 10K run in September 2018.”

Club President and event director Blair Pettigrew said: “We are hugely proud and indeed honoured that the NAAC 10k is the first ever event Charity Partner of the Ayrshire Hospice. It’s great we can do a little to help such a great charity in the memory of Abbie and Amy’s mum.”