KINDHEARTED football fan Iain McGovern today set off on a marathon hike from Glasgow to Liverpool.

He left from the front gate of Celtic Park and on Sunday April 27 will complete a 232-mile journey when he arrives at Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC.

Mr McGovern, 45, a fund officer for the Big Lottery Fund, is walking the equivalent of almost 10 marathons in memory of those who died at Hillsborough.

Cash raised will go to the Lola Commons Fund for the charity SiMBA - the Simpson's Memory Box Appeal Hospital Services, which donates memory boxes to parents. The Lola Commons Fund was set up by Lisa Hague and her partner Celtic Star Kris Commons, whose daughter Lola Grace died in 2008.

Mr McGovern, who lives in Newcastle, is chairman of a Celtic supporters club.

He developed his love of the team from his family who moved to England from Paisley shortly before he was born.

Mr McGovern said: "I was a student in Liverpool at the time of Hillsborough and a girl from our university lost her life at Hillsborough along with her sister."

He was being joined for the first 12 miles of his walk by Lisa and they were seen on their way by representatives of union Unison. Tom Waterson, chairman of Unison Scotland's health committee, said: "We were delighted when Lisa attended Unison's health conference to announce Iain's walk to support Lola Commons Fund for SiMBA. As health workers, we know the incredible work they do."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk