A PAISLEY dad whose daughter has spina bifida and hydrocephalus has tackled an iconic walking route in a tough fundraising challenge.

Chris McKinnon and his friends Jimmy Porter and Daryll Muirhead completed the 96-mile West Highland Way.

Despite difficult conditions and painful blisters, 33-year-old mechanic Chris kept on going and, by the time they arrived in Fort William, a total of £1,900 had been raised for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland.

Chris and his wife Yvonne have told how the charity has provided huge amounts of help since their daughter Lily, now three, was born with the condition.

Yvonne was seven months pregnant before she discovered she was having a baby and found out about Lily’s condition at the same time the doctor broke the news of the pregnancy.

She said: “It was a huge shock but SBH Scotland were very reassuring about what the future held for children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

“In addition to supporting our family, the charity visited Lily’s nursery on several occasions to talk to staff and let them know how best to help her.

“Lily and I are also regulars at SBH Scotland’s toddler and family groups, where we meet up with other families who are facing the same challenges.

“Lily is a very determined little girl, who loves her swimming and acting classes, and despite not being able to walk until earlier this year, she has grown in confidence and is able to take steps with the aid of a frame and splints.”

Meanwhile, extra funds donated by family and friends at a race night brought the total raised to £3,862.

Chris and Yvonne have now come up with a fresh idea to coin in even more cash for the worthy cause.

Yvonne said: “Every year, SBH Scotland organises a Victory Mile Walk during the Cumbernauld 10K and, if Lily continues to make good progress with her mobility, we hope that she will be able to take part.

“I am sure she’d raise far more sponsorship money than us.”

Deborah Roe, fundraising director at SBH Scotland, added: “As an organisation with little statutory funding, we rely heavily on the fundraising efforts of our supporters. We are hugely grateful to the McKinnon family and their friends for taking on these challenges.”

For more information or to support the charity, visit www.sbhscotland.org.uk.