Island's Plod Squad challenge runs ahead

Calling themselves Doddie’s Plod Squad, the all-female team that includes two sisters, plan to run in relay from Stranraer to Edinburgh next month to reach their £5,000 goal for the MND research and support charity started by the late great rugby legend Doddie Weir who was diagnosed with the condition..

Mum-of-two Rosie Rutherford is one of the squad, some of the other eight also live on the island and others from the mainland have Coll connections.

Most of the team’s ’other-halfs’ have raised funds for the cause as cyclists, so now it is the women’s turn to do their bit - with their feet instead of on two wheels

If the team stuck to the big roads the distance would be 120 miles over four days, from February 4 to February 8, but the team has opted to stick to smaller tracks – including canal tow paths with the back up of two support cars.

An average of 46 miles a day is the target, with two or three runners taking turns at a time so no one is left to run alone, said Rosie.

“By taking smaller tracks rather than main roads all the way we are making the distance slightly longer but it’ll be safer. Some of us are managing to train together, meeting up when we can. One of the runners works on the new Glen Sannox ferry so she’s fitting in her training when she’s off shift.

“Some people are really keen to do a marathon on some of the days, I’m hoping for half of one!” said Rosie.

As well as attracting sponsorship, the team has also been working hard to get prizes for a grand draw, including a stay at Cameron House. The winners will be drawn as the team make their way into the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh on the morning of February 8 – hopefully in time for the Scotland Ireland rugby game.

To help their supporters keep track of the Doddie’s Plod Squad’s progress, they will be doing live feeds and social media posts all the way.

You can give your support here: www.justgiving.com/team/doddiesplodsquad&source=gmail&ust=1738059965501000&usg=AOvVaw0I54U1wGVf3kfudjHSwW1d">www.justgiving.com/team/doddiesplodsquad