Over the years, Kelli Gallacher has raised impressive sums of money for the charity whilst contending with the condition herself And as the excitement builds ahead of Glasgow 2014, she is gearing up for another emotional challenge. Kelli will be one of 126 baton bearers who will run, cycle, abseil, climb and sail the relay route through Clydebank, Dumbarton, Alexandria and Balloch.

Another baton bearer looking forward to his moment in the spotlight is Old Kilpatrick sporting hero, hurdler Chris Baillie.

Chris brought home silver for Team Scotland at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and will now bring home the baton on the final leg of its West Dunbartonshire journey.

Chris will hold aloft the baton aboard a puffer boat which will sail into Clydebank’s Three Queens Square where a free celebration event is planned.

The baton is visiting the area just days before it is carried into the opening ceremony for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Chris, 33, who now coaches other young athletes, will be joined on the relay by another Commonwealth athlete, Balloch man Glen Stewart who competed in the 10,000km race at the 2002 event in Manchester.

Dozens of other baton bearers have also been chosen for the honour in West Dunbartonshire as a thank-you from their communities.

Paul Connelly, area commander for the Fire & Rescue Service is also looking forward to carrying the baton.

He told the Reporter: “I am delighted and honoured to have been chosen as one of the baton bearers when the Baton passes through West Dunbartonshire. As the area commander for the Fire and Rescue Service it is a great honour to be asked to carry the baton in my home town. I am looking forward to meeting the other baton bearers on the day and hearing their stories.

“I will be representing the Fire & Rescue Service on the day and as I am the current UK Chair of the Fire Service Sports and Athletics Cycling Section, I have been asked to complete my own portion of the relay on my bicycle.” Ted McGhee, who helped establish Clydebank Special Needs Forum, and who has assisted in raising £300,000 for the cause, will also have a chance to be recognised as he takes hold of the baton.

Staff at the Golden Jubille in Clydebank will also get involved when the baton passes through the wards.

June Rogers, director of operations, for the Golden Jubilee National Hospital said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Queen’s Baton will be coming to Scotland’s flagship hospital as it makes its way across West Dunbartonshire.

“It is going to be a fantastic day for the local community, and will give both our patients and staff the chance to be part of history as we move closer to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“Our celebrations are open to the public, and we want to encourage as many people as possible to come along and be a part of the day.” Councillor David McBride, depute convener of Infrastructure and Regeneration, added: “The relay is a chance for West Dunbartonshire to share the excitement of Glasgow 2014 and to cheer on the heroes in our community who have been selected to carry the baton. I’m sure our streets will be packed on Friday.” The baton bearers were selected by independent panels, who have considered people’s achievements against the odds, their mentoring of young people, contributions to community and youth sport, and those who have made a difference through volunteering and community support.