A GROUP of ramblers are heading in the right direction to raise funds and awareness of a debilitating illness.

Mairi Leitch, 34, from Lochwinnoch is organising a Move a Mile fundraiser, which takes place at Castle Semple on Saturday, from noon until about 4pm.

Proceeds will go to the Muscular Dystrophy UK charity.

Both Mairi and her 10-year-old son Aaron are affected by muscular dystrophy (MD).

Aaron, who attends Lochwinnoch Primary, was diagnosed with the illness two years ago.

Mairi’s older son Marc, 12, and other family members have also been diagnosed with mild forms of MD.

Symptoms include cramps, sore muscles and pain in the legs and arms, however the worst part is fatigue, according to Mairi.

Mairi is encouraging people to take part in the Move a Mile event.

She said: “Many local businesses have been getting involved by putting up posters and the village chippy has also given us crisps to hand out at the end.

“The event is fancy dress, which will hopefully bring a fantastic atmosphere.”

To sign up for the event or for more information, send an email to mairi.leitch@btinternet.com.

For more details on MD, visit www.musculardystrophyuk.org.