AN athletics club paid a touching tribute to a much-missed member who died tragically of cancer by raising thousands of pounds in his memory.

More than 130 runners took part in Greenock Glenpark Harriers ‘Lyle Mile’ race last month, which is run each year to fundraise for local causes.

This year’s edition of the challenging one-mile uphill dash was dedicated to the memory of much-loved member George McCallum, who sadly passed away last year at the age of 54 after a three year battle with glioblastoma.

The runners’ efforts raised a tremendous total of £2,115 for Ardgowan Hospice, where George had spent his last few days.

A club spokesperson said: “George was an inspiration to many members of the club and held in the highest regard by the local running community.

“A volunteer run director at Greenock Parkrun, he was always on hand with support and advice for other runners.

“Even after his diagnosis and treatment he represented the club at the London and Manchester Marathons and took first place in the Harriers 2022 Annual 10 mile Docherty Cup Race.”

The race was won by John Bell of Inverclyde Athletic Club, who recorded a time of five minutes and 56 seconds, while Andrew Osbourne and Daniel Docherty came second and third with times of six minutes and 49 seconds and six minutes and 56 seconds respectively.

First senior lady home was Sharon McNicol of Giffnock North, with Toni McIntosh second and Lynne Harrison in third.

First junior female was Summer Taggart, who was just two seconds behind the senior winner.

Second junior female was Evie Harrison, with Erin McEleny in third place.

Organisers would like to thank everyone who took part in the event and contributed to the total raised from it.