FAMILY and friends braved the cold on New Year’s Day to raise vital funds for a Drumchapel boy. 

Guy Pentland is a bright and happy eight-year-old who has cerebral palsy, a condition which affects all four of his limbs.

He lives with dystonic spasms and underwent full reconstruction of his right hip in 2014, before taking on the same procedure for his left hip in December of 2016. 

And last Monday, more than 40 of the youngster’s loved ones got together at Kelvindale Station to complete Walk4Guy – a 5k trek to his house and then back again. 

Karen Elliott, a lifelong friend of Guy’s parents Scott and Denise, said: “I’ve been Denise’s friend since I was three and we’re now 45 so a good few years. 

“His parents will do anything for him. I’ve never seen a set of parents like it. It’s 24/7 care. 

“We continue raising money for him every year, so the family know that he will always have money there for his therapy. It’s just a community event and it’s mainly family and friends.”

Karen’s dad David Welsh, 77, kicked off the walk by playing his trombone and people were eager to know what the group were doing. 

She continued: “There were people who donated money on the day because they asked us what we were doing. It’s brilliant. 

“You could just be sitting there, watching more films and eating chocolates on New Year’s Day but you can just go out and do something for someone else. People are just so kind.”

Scott Pentland, Guy’s dad, said: “Denise and I have been completely overwhelmed at the response to the second Walk4Guy. 

“What makes this extra special is that the people who took part last year actually asked to make this an annual event and sure enough they came out to show their love and support again for our boy Guy.

“About 40 family and friends joined us on the day but also from various locations around the world. We are so proud to have Karen as our friend who has made this so successful.”

Guy, a creative spirit and fan of all things Disney, pirates and owls, was in hospital again on January 4, to have the pins removed from his last operation. 

The Kelbourne Park pupil attends classes at Glasgow-based visual arts organisation Project Ability and his work was the inspiration for Karen’s wedding invitations. 

“He made me a canvas for my birthday two years ago,” Karen said. “I loved the colours so we transferred it on to our wedding invitations.

“They take him to all these different things and he goes to a music class as well. [He] gets to play the piano and strum the guitar.”

The fundraisers aim to raise £2,000 this year, which would bring their grand total to more than £10,000.

Contributions can be made at gofundme.com/new-years-day-walk4guy-2018 with the money used to give Guy the best possible therapy.