Fit Ayrshire Dads have raised thousands of pounds for a local children’s charity to give thanks for the “excellent care” they gave the founder's family.

Kevin Brown, chair of Fit Ayrshire Dads and Fit Ayrshire Masses, managed to raise £3,392 for the Crosshouse Children’s Fund by organising an awards night to honour the two groups.

Money from the event’s ticket sales as well as donations from attendees went towards the charity, who were presented with a cheque on Friday December 9.

Kevin said: “Years ago I raised money to buy a cuddle cot for the hospital as I wanted to do more for them following the experience my wife and I had losing a child through an ectopic pregnancy.

“This later followed the excellent care they provided to us when my daughter Tilly was born.

“In recent years I have known Fit Ayrshire Dads, friends and family who have used the children's ward and benefitted greatly from the quality care their child received during their stay.

“I was aware that the charity was new and felt I had the power and connection to do more for them to help them continue this amazing work and it just felt like a really good fit for me to get involved.”

The awards night took place in Kilmarnock’s Park Hotel on Friday November 11 and recognised “men and women of Ayrshire for their tales of courage, support, encouragement, and connection.”

Kevin, from Irvine, added: “To donate all proceeds from our Fit Ayrshire Dads night was a wonderful thing to do for everyone involved to know that the money would be used for children and families of Ayrshire.

“Looking forward to helping this local charity again in the future.”

Both groups focus on fitness and health and function as a place for members to motivate each other’s fitness journeys and share training and diet tips with each other.

Kevin recently announced he would be stepping down as the head and organiser of both Fit Ayrshire Dads and Fit Ayrshire Masses after four years of serving the role.

Throughout his four years, Kevin’s fundraisers for the Crosshouse Children’s Fund were greatly appreciated by the charity.

Chair of Crosshouse Children’s Fund, Natalie Dillon, said: “Kev is a massive supporter of our charity and as a young charity set up to support babies, children and their families across Ayrshire.

“It makes such a massive difference to have advocates like Kevin.”

Anyone looking to donate to Cross House Children’s Fund or find out more about their work can do so on their website: www.crosshousechildrensfund.org