A CLYDEBANK footballer recently completed a 24-hour challenge in memory of his friend.

Nicky Low, who previously played for Aberdeen and Dundee, ran continuously for a whole day to raise money for Inverclyde Royal Hospital and other charities.

The fundraiser was 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.

You can donate to the JustGiving page by clicking here.

Nicky ran from Rankin Park in Greenock to Celtic Park and then back again, covering more than 56 miles.

And the 32-year-old opened up on the challenge.

"On the way up, the route I had researched went as planned but on the way back I was advised that I would be going along bike tracks so I decided to keep to the streets and go through Govan and Braehead," he said.

Clydebank Post: "I passed those places and it made things a lot easier for me at night due to the street lights.

"The challenge was very hard but also rewarding. There was a point during the run, I think it was about 2am, and I was on my own at that point, before my friend came to meet me, where I was struggling.

"He spurred me on to push through. At that point, I had very little to give both physically and mentally but his encouragement helped."

Joe spent five days in intensive care before passing away after collapsing at home in Greenock.

Clydebank Post: And the Clydebank midfielder was keen to honour his friend.

"When we got to Langbank I stopped for a quick break and that was another point where I felt I couldn’t keep going," he continued.

"I thought to myself ‘that is me done’ but my friend inspired me to keep going and I eventually finished it.

"There were difficult points, but I was glad to complete it. It was for a great cause.

"At the finish line in Greenock, my family and friends were there to meet me, including Joe's wife, Dawn.

"It was an emotional moment."

Clydebank Post: The fundraiser currently sits at over £4000, smashing the original target of £1000.

The page will remain live until Friday, May 10 - the day before a charity night that is being held in Joe's memory.

And Nicky has been blown away by the support he has received.

"Joe's family have been so appreciative of the money raised," he added.

"People have been so generous in terms of donations.

"Seeing the funds go up and up gave me extra motivation while running."