Scottish 800m record holder Sharp led a session with the junior section of the club sharing her training tips and drills. She then gave junior members a chance to beat her Scottish record time over 800m.

Junior members Catie and Chloe were delighted with Sharp’s visit, saying: “It was an amazing experience. We learnt so much that will help us with developing our running.” The evening went on to the Commodore Hotel where seniors and members of the public joined Lynsey to watch extracts of her recent documentary ‘Get out Strong and Commit’ and participate in a question and answer session.

Sharp gave an insight into her life as a full-time athlete — both the highs and lows. She discussed a range of topics from her illness the night before the 800m final in Glasgow, to the fact that she needs a new pair of trainers every month.

At the end of the evening she gave away her racing kit to some lucky junior members before spending time posing for photos and signing autographs. The life long Rangers fan was then moved to tears when Walter Smith arrived to thank her for visit to Helensburgh, with Sharp revealing that her dog was named Walter after the former Rangers and Scotland manager.

Club president Laura Johnstone described the evening as a unique event for both the club and Helensburgh, saying: “It’s not often you get to spend time with a world class athlete, especially somebody like Lynsey who spoke so honestly and humbly about her journey through sport.

“She was hugely inspiring to juniors and seniors alike”.

“Bringing an international athlete to the area was a big task and only made possible with the help of a number of people on behalf of everybody who enjoyed the evening I would like to give sincere thanks to Kevin Johnson, Euan Crumly, Debbie Savage, Cameron House Hotel and PJs Kitchen who all had a major part to play in ensuring Lynsey enjoyed her stay as much as we did.”