Pair of councillors sign up for St Vincent's Hospice firewalk

Jim Paterson and Andy Doig will walk over hot coals at temperatures of more than 800C

Things will be getting heated between two Renfrewshire councillors next week...but not in the way you’d normally expect.

Councillors Jim Paterson and Andy Doig will be taking on a firewalk next Wednesday to raise cash for St Vincent’s Hospice in Howwood.

The pair will be put to the test as they walk over hot coals at temperatures of more than 800C.

The event - which is also being put on by Headstrong Scotland - is back for its second year at the hospice after the two groups joined forces for the first time in a successful event in 2019.

Mr Doig, who represents Howwood alongside Johnstone North, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch, said he was keen to get other councillors on board after he signed up to the challenge.

The Independent councillor has so far raised £125 for the cause and is still hoping more fellow elected members will sign up.

Mr Doig said: “St Vincent’s Hospice offers outstanding support to cancer patients and their families and like all of the hospice movement they offer end of life care at a time when maximum help is needed. Both my parents died of lung cancer and my mother was in palliative care, although not at St Vincent’s, so personally it means a lot to me to try and encourage donations to this very worthy local charity.

“I have set up a JustGiving page called Cllr Andy’s St Vincent’s Firewalk Page, and I would encourage everyone to give a donation, however small, to help a crucial local amenity to continue its good work.

“I announced my intention to enter at the monthly meeting of Howwood Community Council. I have written to the Provost, Cllr Lorraine Cameron, and the leaders of the SNP, Labour, and Conservative groups, to see if each group could nominate one councillor to join me.”

Throughout the evening the duo will be guided by firewalk instructor Jamie McKenzie from Headstrong, who will help to train their minds and build their confidence ahead of the walk.

Mr Paterson, deputy leader of Renfrewshire Council, said: “My motivation for taking part of in the St Vincent’s Hospice firewalk is simply to help in my own small way to help them continue the vital and fantastic work they do supporting those with life limiting conditions and also the support they provide the family of those who are ill. Although I have never had personal experience with the hospice, many of my constituents have and all appreciate the work that they do across Renfrewshire.

“St Vincent’s Hospice is also this year’s nominated charity by Provost Lorraine Cameron so when Cllr Doig contacted looking for volunteers, I felt it was the ideal opportunity to do my bit for the cause.”