A YOUNG Renton girl who suffers from children's interstitial lung disease (chILD) will take on a new challenge with this years Glasgow Kiltwalk.

On April 30, thousands of people will take to the streets of Glasgow to walk the Kiltwalk to raise money for their chosen charity and six year-old Harper Mitchell Hyslop will take on the six mile Wee Wander with her mum, 37 year-old Jodie.

The Renton youngster is one of only twenty children in the UK with chILD, a particularly rare condition. She was diagnosed last year and attends the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow regularly for treatment.

ChILD is a group of rare lung conditions found in children and teenagers and causes inflammation of lung tissue making it difficult for the lungs to inflate and for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream. This means little Harper must be hooked up to an oxygen tank at all times.

Harper’s friends and family have joined together to form ‘Harper’s Helpers’ to help raise money for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, and the Child Lung Foundation UK as a thanks for all the support they have received throughout Harper’s diagnosis.

Speaking about preparing for the big day, mum Jodie said: “We want to encourage as many people as possible to get their walking boots on and walk the Glasgow Kiltwalk to raise funds for charities close to their hearts.

“We’re walking for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, and the Child Lung Foundation UK as these charities make a real difference to the lives of children and families affected by this rare condition. We want to do our bit to give thanks for all they have done for us as well as spread awareness of this condition.”

For every pound Harper and Jodie raise, £1.10 will go to their chosen charities. This comes after Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation pledged that 110% of all fundraising at each of the four 2017 Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk events will go to charity. There will be three events to choose from, the Mighty Stride (23 miles), the Big Stroll (14 miles) and the Wee Wander (6miles), which Harper and Jodie will take on.

Paul Cooney, Chief Executive of the Kiltwalk added: “What makes the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk so special is the fact that walkers can choose any charity to fundraise for. Our ambition is for Kiltwalk to be the lowest cost, best and most effective platform for every charity in Scotland to raise funds for what they believe in.

“Last year, 8,000 people took part and raised almost £900,000, which was outstanding. This year, we want to raise more money and we want more people to take part, so we can help even more of those in Scotland most in need. Whatever your reason, whatever cause is close to your heart, sign-up for Kiltwalk and join us. “ Kiltwalk has raised more than £3m for Scottish charitable causes since 2011. Funds raised at the Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk went to 282 Scottish children’s charities in 2016. This year, even more people will be able to benefit as the Kiltwalk is now open to every Scottish charity.

To register, visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk