A KILWINNING dad is undergoing seven gruelling physical challenges for charity –

all in the months leading up to his 40th birthday.

Gordon McKinlay hopes to raise £1,000 for Cash for Kids by completing seven events before he reaches the big milestone in November.

So far, the volunteer coach at Kilwinning Football Academy (KFA) has tackled two challenges out of ‘Gordon’s Magnificent 7’.

In March he took part in the Tartan Warrior 5k Obstacle Race with his wife Amanda and kids Sophie, 12, and Adam, nine.

Gordon, who works as an assistant manager and MOT tester at McConechy’s, also recently completed the Kilt Walk with some of his colleagues.

The next six months will see the dad of two take on Ben Nevis, Goatfell, the 13 mile Tough Mudder, the Rough Runner 10k Obstacle Course and the Great Scottish Run.

Gordon said: “I’m doing it for Cash for Kids.

"I was looking for a charity that helps children less fortunate in my own area and thought that was perfect.

“I just wanted to do something to keep myself fit. I’m coming up for 40 and wanted to do something different, while raising for charity.”

Gordon is keen to involve friends and family in his fundraising.

"His next event – the Tough Mudder in June - he will undertake with his manager.

The 39-year-old also hopes that he will be joined on his July Goatfell climb by some of the youngsters he coaches at KFA.

Gordon said: “I’ve just done the Kilt Walk, so I’m still struggling with walking.

"It was myself and my manager at my work.

“I’m having a wee rest just now, but hopefully I’ll be back to normal next week.

“I’ve done two Tough Mudders, so this’ll be my third one, but I’ve never climbed Ben Nevis.

"It’s just something I’ve always wanted to do, to tick off my bucket list.

“I’m a football coach and I took a few of the girls under 13s up last year but we missed the top because of the time and we had to get

back.

“I’m hoping to get them involved again and get to the top with them this time.

"It’ll be a wee bit of team-bonding for them away from the football.”

Gordon is hopeful that he’ll reach his fundraising target.

He added: “I did aim for £1,000 but I’ve raised nearly £600, which is even better than I thought. We’re hoping to get to £1,000.”

To support Gordon’s Magnificent 7, you

can visit his Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gordon-mckinlay