A COMPASSIONATE couple from Inverkip who have raised almost £23,000 for a great cause over the last 18 years will once again prove they're top trekkers by taking on a charity challenge. 

Irene and Graham McIntosh are all set for the The MoonWalk Scotland in Edinburgh on September 7. 

Each super step taken by the dynamic duo will raise money for Walk the Walk - a charity which invests in breast cancer research, raises awareness, and encourages men, women, and children to look after their health and wellbeing. 

Irene completed her first walk in 2006, and her husband Graham joined her on the jaunt in 2012 - the same year that Irene's sister Helen, and Graham's male friend and work colleague were diagnosed with breast cancer.

Helen is now doing well but Graham's friend sadly passed away in 2014. 

Graham, 69, said he wants to get the message across that men can suffer from breast cancer too. 

He added: "Men tend to be reluctant to be seen so their outcomes are much poorer. 

"I want to want to raise awareness, particularly for men. 

"If you notice something unusual, please go and get checked."

(Image: George Munro)
Irene and Graham will meet fellow walkers at Dynamic Earth on the night of the trek before heading to Holyrood Park, up and around Arthur's Seat, and back to the park. 

Every MoonWalk, which kicks off from around 9pm, has a theme and the couple make sure they dress up every year. 

This year it's 'fiesta' and the top team already have their sombreros looked out. 

Irene, 66, says the couple try to put the 'fun' into fundraising but always keep the core message at heart. 

She said: "Everyone has been affected by breast cancer in some way 

"It's a great event and it's so much fun but there's a serious message behind it all too.

"We've made so many friends over the years."

The couple have been training together in preparation for this year's challenge. 

Graham is a keen cyclist but he's grown to love walking through training with his wife. 

He added: "The beauty of walking is that we can do it together. With running, people all want to go at different speeds."

Irene took up running at the age of 60 and this year, she'll be taking on four challenges in consecutive months. 

She is coached by John Bell and has been part of My Health Scotland for many years. 

Alongside the September MoonWalk, Irene is signed up for the Paisley 10k in August, the Great Scottish Run in October, and the Jimmy Irvine Bellahouston 10k in November. 

The couple have set up a multi-challenge fundraiser to ensure donations to every challenge go to Walk the Walk, and have raised almost £600 so far. 

Irene said both she and Graham are so grateful to everyone who has helped them raise more than £23,000 over the years. 

She added: "We have very loyal supporters who donate every year. People are great and are very, very kind."

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