The FAMILY-OWNED SimpsInns Group have raised over £17,000 for NHS staff, key workers and Ayrshire charities by completing a 100-kilometre 21-day Lockdown Challenge.

SimpsInns owners Karen and Malcolm Simpsons, along with their sons Lee and Jack and dog Maggie, took part in the challenge as well as other team members who walked, cycled and got their families involved as part of their daily exercise.

All funds will go to NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Whiteleys Retreat, Ayr, Irvine Cancer Care, Centre Stage in Kilmarnock and the North Ayrshire Food Bank Community Group.

Karen said: “Our team really bought into the Lockdown Challenge and were so encouraging of each other. It was great for team spirit and morale while we all got our daily exercise. We’re really proud of everyone’s efforts.

“More importantly, it was our small way of saying thank you to all the Ayrshire heroes, the key frontline workers at the NHS and elsewhere, who continue to give their all.”

Claire Hajri, team member, said: “I’ve enjoyed getting out and about round my local area where I wouldn’t normally go.

“We are so lucky to have so much on our doorstep. What a team.”