Dundee-based Kilmac construction director Liam Wilkie and his wife Ashley have already raised more than £100,000 to support research into the little-known genetic condition Bardet Biedl Syndrome.

Their daughter Caitlin (8) is one of just seven known youngsters in Scotland diagnosed with BBS.

The main symptoms are heart and kidney failure, obesity, learning difficulties and sight loss, usually by the teenage years.

News of a potential scientific breakthrough has sparked another fundraising drive.

The ‘Carry the Gene Challenge’ will see family, friends and business contacts supporting a relay spread over 12 legs from John O’Groats on April 18 to the borders south of Melrose.

The different stages, offering cycling, running and walking options for fundraisers, will take in Braemar, Glen Clova, Kirriemuir, Forfar (Strathmore Rugby Club), Newtyle, Dundee, Tentsmuir, St Andrews, the Fife Coastal Walk, the Forth Bridge, Murrayfield and Melrose.

A virtual challenge by supporters in England and Ireland will complete the journey to Land’s End.

Companies are being invited to sponsor each leg of the baton relay.

“Caitlin goes to clinics at Great Ormond Street every year and we have been told gene therapy and human trials are now set for 2024,” said Liam (38), who lives in Kirriemuir and also has a five-year-old daughter Niamh.

“This is amazing news, not just for us but for the other youngsters who still haven’t lost too much of their vision.

“As with most things in life, progress with research hinges on finance.

“That’s what spurred us on to a year of intensive fundraising in 2018 which, incredibly, raised just over £100,000.

“Kilmac and the staff, who come from across Tayside, along with Ashley’s colleagues at Thrums Vets, have been behind us all the way.

“We are determined to push ahead if it holds out hope to save Caitlin’s sight or for other youngsters.

“Whatever happens, we can hold our heads high and say we did our best for our daughter.

“If it comes too late for Caitlin I will take it on the chin. But the research might not be too late to help someone else’s child a year or two down the road.

“Right now it’s all about making memories for us and with Caitlin and ensuring she gets every opportunity she deserves.

“We do feel as if we are on a ticking time bomb, but the fundraising has been a great help in taking our minds off it.”

Businesses and individuals keen to sponsor legs of the “Carry the Gene Challenge” can contact Liam at liam@kilmac.co.uk and donate here.