THE coffers of Borders Talking Newspapers are almost £1000 fuller thanks to the efforts of big-hitting Allen Turner.

Allen, who is a patient in the Dialysis Unit at BGH, has been using a punch pad as part of his exercise regime.

After a visit to Gala Boxing Club Allen, who is partially sighted and a wheelchair user, decided to use his new skill to raise money.

As a past listener of Borders Talking Newspaper, he believes that a free service run by volunteers for visually impaired Borderers is deserving of his time and he hoped to punch up some cash for the charity.

Allen’s challenge was to hit a punch bag as often as he could over two minutes with a competition for people to guess the number of blows.

During the two minutes he managed an amazing 307 hits.

Talking Newspaper manager Wendy Moss told the Border Telegraph: "It was a complete surprise when we heard from Jane Chalmers, a nurse in the Unit, that Allen wanted to carry out this challenge for us.

"We are delighted with the large amount he raised and are very grateful to Allen, everyone who took part and the companies who donated prizes."

Borders Talking Newspaper provides a weekly audio digest of the Border Telegraph as well as other local papers in the central and eastern Borders. These recordings, on memory sticks, are sent to listeners in special reusable wallets which are overdue for replacement and Allen’s efforts will cover the cost of a new set.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about volunteering, would like to receive the talking newspaper or would like a full list of prizewinners should contact Wendy on 01361 884206 or office@btn.org.uk.