Cop swaps lifting criminals for weights

PC Niall MacKinnon from Grangemouth and his friends at Forth Valley Kettlebells are taking on a gruelling challenge in aid of Falkirk and district mental health association FDAMH.

The event 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 will unite and lift non-stop for a full hour, either as an individual effort, or working in relay teams.

This test of strength is in memory of Niall’s former colleague Rhiannyd Hitchcock, who took her own life in 2014.

Niall 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 £2000 for the FDAMH and are almost halfway to that target, so any donations people want to make will be very gratefully received.

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

To donate visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/fvkbsnatch.

The event will run from 1-2pm.