A CLYDEBANK footballer is set to undertake a 24-hour fundraiser in memory of his friend.

Nicky Low, who previously played for Aberdeen and Dundee, plans to run and walk continuously for a whole day in an effort to raise money for Inverclyde Royal Hospital and other charities.

The challenge is to commemorate Joe Cooke who died suddenly on May 10 last year aged 42 after suffering an aneurysm and a cardiac arrest brought on by undiagnosed polycystic kidney disease.

Joe leaves behind his wife Dawn, as well as two sons Reece and Lennon, and granddaughter Orla.

He collapsed at home in Greenock and then was taken to Inverclyde Royal before being transferred to the Royal Alexandria in Paisley.

Clydebank Post:

Joe spent five days in intensive care before passing away.

And Nicky is hoping to raise money for the hospital and organisations that helped his friend in his final days.

You can donate to the JustGiving page by clicking here.

The Clydebank midfielder said: "I will be running and walking continuously for 24 hours on Saturday, April 20. It is going to be tough, but I want to do it for Joe.

"It is a solo challenge but every four hours or so friends and family will be checking up on me at various checkpoints.

Clydebank Post:

"I am planning on going from Greenock to Parkhead as Joe was a big Celtic fan and he has brick at the stadium.

"It will take me about 10 hours to get there. After I get to see Joe’s brick then I will refuel.

"After that, I will then head back to Greenock which will take me another 10 hours.

"Once I get back there I will then decide on the rest of my route to complete the 24-hour challenge."

Nicky has plenty of fond memories of Joe from over the years and was keen to highlight one in particular.

He said: "My friend Tommy got married a couple of years ago. It took place abroad and I think in total there were 60 people at the hotel, and we took over the pool for a week.

Clydebank Post:

"It was a great week and Joe was the life and soul of the party. His laugh was contagious, and it stood out as soon as you heard it.

"He made everyone else laugh. I have nothing but good memories of spending time with Joe."