A FORTH VALLEY police officer will take on a charity weight challenge in memory of Alloa PC Rhianydd Hitchock.

Constable Niall MacKinnon, from Grangemouth, and his friends at Forth Valley Kettlebells are taking on a gruelling challenge in aid of a mental health charity.

The officer was a colleague of tragic Rhianydd, who took her life at Alloa Police Office in 2014.

As a result, PC MacKinnon hopes to raise awareness of mental health issues, while fundraising for the Falkirk District Association for Mental Health (FDAMH).

The event, which takes place on Saturday at The Kelpies, will see the group of fitness fanatics participate in a one-hour kettlebell snatch and marathon relay.

Lifters from across the country unite and lift non-stop for a full hour, either as an individual effort, or working in relay teams.

PC MacKinnon said: “Most of us know someone who lives with, or has previously been affected by mental health issues and it’s so important that charities that can provide a supportive service to these people are properly funded so they can continue to save lives.

“Sadly, Rhiannyd is no longer with us, but in her memory we are taking on this kettlebell challenge.

"I think it’s a really nice mix of testing physical strength to promote the mental strength those who live with mental health issues demonstrate every day. 

“We’d like to raise £2,000 for the FDAMH and are almost halfway to that target, so any donations people want to make will be very gratefully received.

“Our donation page can be visited at https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/fvkbsnatch

“Anyone who wants to come along and watch us taking on the kettlebells is welcome to visit the Kelpies on Saturday afternoon.” 

The challenge takes place between 1pm and 2pm.