A RENFREWSHIRE mum is urging drivers to start their engines for a fundraising rally in memory of her dad.

Laura Balloch, 29, was left devastated in August 2017 when dad Raymond died from a heart attack at the age of 58.

The keen St Mirren fan, known to his friends as ‘wee Raymie,’ was attempting to complete a 50-mile cycle and trek to raise money for Rainbow Valley but, tragically, was found lifeless on a bench up Beinn Chabhair, near Loch Lomond.

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Following his death, Laura vowed to keep his memory alive by raising cash for charity, as he had done on so many occasions.

With the help of her partner Derek Kirkwood, she has now organised a rally that will set off from the Rolls-Royce plant in Inchinnan, where Raymond used to work, and travel all the way to Inverness.

Laura said a party will be thrown in the Highland city at the end of the rally, as it would have been her dad’s 60th birthday this year.

The mum-of-one, from Inchinnan, told The Gazette: “We always said we would continue what dad did. We have already raised quite a bit of money doing things such as the Kiltwalk last April but we wanted to do something special for his 60th.

“Derek and I were driving along somewhere one day when a load of classic cars drove past us and we both had the same idea at the same time. It just clicked, as dad loved his cars when he was younger.

“We’ve decided to raise funds for Rainbow Valley as that was the charity he was raising money for when he died.

“We don’t think a lot of people know about the charity but it is a great cause, which has been really supportive.

“Derek has really been driving everything and created a nice logo for the event. We hope to see all kinds of cars and bikes coming along.”

Rainbow Valley’s aim is to give people of all ages who are living with or affected by cancer the knowledge and opportunity to prevent and manage the impact of the condition and improve their long-term quality of life.

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The rally will take place on Saturday, May 25, and the aim is to get 60 cars or more to join the fun.

Cars will be gathering at the Rolls-Royce base at 10am and finishing up at V8 Cafe, in Inverness.

Anyone who would like to find out more or register to take part should email teamraymie59@hotmail.com.

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