TO many, it may seem a trip of a lifetime, but for Selkirk’s Tom Stevenson, it will be no holiday in Malawi.

The ardent Celtic supporter has followed his team around the world, but never to Malawi where he is travelling to in June as part of the Celtic Foundation.

It is a way of giving practical support through the Foundation to Mary’s Meals. The placement will involve the renovations and improvements to schools that Mary’s Meals have identified for work.

Mary’s Meals provide life-changing means to some of the world’s poorest children – and Tom will add his energies and expertise to the trip.

“I want to uphold and promote the principals and legacy of the Foundation,” he said.

And after retiring following a career with paint giants Crown, it is appropriate that he will get the brush and tin out to help to paint schools.

And Tom has been donated paint, brushes and rollers from the Crown Decorating Centre in Airdrie for which he is very grateful

“It will be a challenge and I am looking forward to it. I always wanted to put something back, and now that I a retired I have that opportunity,” he said.

“I also want to thank Galashiels, Hawick and Selkirk Celtic supporters’ clubs for their support.”

Tom has been inspired by the Blantyre party which ‘left as individuals and returned as a family'.

And the bonds they established will last forever.

Like the others, Tom is paying for his trip out of his own pocket with any donations going to the charity.

He has been out running regularly and admiring the Borders countryside now that he has more time on his side. “It is really beautiful,” he said.

Now the real work is about to begin, and on the back of his club’s ‘Double Treble’ he will leave Scotland on a high to help others in need across the world.