MISS Glasgow Sammy Bryceland struck a pose on Glasgow's 'Squinty' bridge to launch a charity event that aims to help save lives.

The model is backing the Kidney Research UK Bridges Walk, which is being held to raise cash for research into incurable kidney disease.

On September 21, hundreds of people are expected to walk seven miles, taking in some of the city's most iconic sights including the Riverside Museum and the Tall Ship.

Kidney disease is one of the fastest-growing illnesses in Scotland. More than three million people in the UK are at risk and numbers are rising by 4% every year.

However, Kidney Research UK says it is forced to turn away four out of five research ideas presented to it, one of which could be a potential cure or new treatment, because of a lack of funds.

Some 700 people in Glasgow are on dialysis and in desperate need of a new kidney and one person dies every day waiting for a transplant.

The charity is backing the Evening Times' campaign for an opt-out transplant system, to help increase the numbers of organs available for life-saving operations.

Miss Glasgow said: "Kidney disease doesn't have a cure, so raising money for research is really important.

"I'm hoping that the whole of Glasgow turns out for the Glasgow Bridges Walk - I want the whole city to be turned purple.

"It's going to be a really good day, and I can't wait to meet everyone who's taking part in the walk."

Linda Rogers, supporter care manager for Kidney Research UK, said: "Glasgow Bridges Walk is a fantastic event that anyone can enter; whether you're young or old, on your own or in a team.

"The walk provides a brilliant opportunity to pass many of Glasgow's most remarkable sights, with hundreds of like-minded people. By joining us you'll be funding research to save lives and helping to raise awareness about the threat of kidney disease."

Recent research conducted by the charity revealed that 84% of people in Scotland claim to have limited or no knowledge of kidney disease, its causes or its symptoms.

Despite this, 32% of people in Scotland confirmed that they suffer with one of the three leading causes of kidney disease - diabetes, high blood pressure or vascular disease.

To register for the Glasgow Bridges Walk, visit www.kidneyresearchuk.org/glasgow

Entry costs £10 for adults and £4 for children.

caroline.wilson@eveningtimes.co.uk