Ayrshire derby with a difference as Killie and Ayr take on charity challenge

Kilmarnock and Ayr United players are taking part in an Ayrshire derby with a difference this month.

As charity partners of Ayrshire Cancer Support, the two clubs are taking on the Ayrshire to Beatson Challenge Event and going head-to-head to see which club can rack up the most miles.

The winning club will be crowned champions of Ayrshire with the losers set to face a forfeit.

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Ayrshire Cancer Support run their annual Ayrshire to Beatson Challenge every August and September in a bid to raise funds to support Ayrshire residents who make the journey to the Beatson Hospital in Glasgow for treatment.

Every year, volunteer drivers undertake around 12,000 journeys to the Beatson as they take patients to and from their cancer treatment.

Return journeys from Ayrshire to the Beatson can cost as much as £55 in fuel so the fundraising effort is vital to ensure everyone in the county can access cancer treatment.

The challenge encourages participants to run, cycle, swim, walk or dance towards a stronger and healthier lifestyle whilst making a difference.

A spokesperson for Ayrshire Cancer Support said: “As part of our Ayrshire to Beatson Challenge Event, our charity partners, Ayr United and Kilmarnock will be taking part in one of our core fundraising campaigns during the month of September - competing in an Ayrshire to Beatson Derby.

“Both first teams will be clocking up their training and matchday miles throughout the last three weeks in September to reveal which team racks up the greatest number of miles whilst raising vital funds and awareness for Ayrshire Cancer Support.

“You can support your team by donating at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ayrshire-to-beatson-2024.

“Which team will clock up the most miles and be crowned champions of Ayrshire? Which team will have to face a forfeit?

“If you would like to take part in our Ayrshire to Beatson Challenge, more information can be found at https://www.ayrshirecs.org/ayrshiretobeatson.”

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