A LARGS mum is going 'above and beyond' to raise money for charity - by walking up Knock Hill 100 days in a row.

Barbara Houston, 47, aims to complete the challenge by early December, raising vital funds for NSPCC Scotland, which works to support children from abuse across the country.

The avid fundraiser will be joined at weekends on the two-hour round trip by her son Adam, pictured with her.

Barbara says lockdown alongside her son made her realise that being at home is not safe for all children and wants to do her bit to support the charity.

She said: “Throughout this period I got to spend a lot of time with my son and it felt like our own little safe bubble.

“However it got me thinking that, sadly, being at home isn’t always a safe place for children, which is heart-breaking.

“Children have so much to deal with at the moment, and that’s why I’m taking on the challenge, I’d like to support the NSPCC as I know they are being there for children during this difficult time.”

Barbara previously volunteered for the charity’s schools service, which visits primary schools across the country telling children about their right to be protected from abuse and neglect.

She said: “After speaking to the fundraising team, I wanted to come up with a challenge that was a little bit different.

“Unfortunately, the traditional ways of raising money, like bucket collecting, are not an option at this time.

“With the walking challenge, I know that I’ll be able to continue to complete it, even if lockdown restrictions vary.”

Last year, the NSPCC’s staff and volunteers visited over 800 schools in Scotland, reaching almost 150,000 children with their assemblies and workshops.

Jen Lindsay, community fundraising manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “We’ve been blown away by the efforts that our supporters have gone to so they can continue to support us.

“Their feats have included walking marathons in back gardens and cycling the length of the country on an exercise bike, and now there is Barbara’s 100-day challenge.

“We couldn’t be more grateful to those who are helping us to still be there for children during this difficult time.

“Fundraising is a great way to help us to continue to support children, and if anyone would like to take on a challenge like Barbara’s, then we would love for them to get in touch.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor Barbara can visit her fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/barbara-houston.