OVER 160 people pulled on their walking boots in Galashiels last weekend to raise £3,000 for Prostate Scotland.

The BIG Walk saw 55 people take on the 20km challenge in glorious sunshine.

The route followed the River Tweed from Gala Rugby Club to Yair Bridge, before taking a turn uphill over both Neidpath and Meigle Hills and then descending into Galashiels.

The climbing wasn’t over as the route took the walkers up Ladhope Golf Course and finally Wester Hill above Langlee before a welcome return to Netherdale.

A total of 111 people took part in the WEE Walk, following the BIG Walk route as far as the Tweed Bridge near Sunderland Hall, grabbing a refreshment and heading back to Netherdale on a route that covered 8km.

The walkers ranged in age from two years old to 75, and members of Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue were on the route ensuring everyone was safe and well. Pipers Billy Easson and Elizabeth Scott welcomed walkers as they passed Gala Cricket Club.

Both walks were the brainchild of Galashiels resident Lucy McAneny.

Lucy’s annual BIG quizzes have become popular events and coupled with the BIG Walk proceeds, the total raised by Lucy’s events now stands at an amazing £30,000.

Lucy is the daughter of Galashiels rugby legend Dunc Paterson and all her fundraising efforts have been in his memory. It is very apt that the walks started and finished in Dunc’s spiritual home of Netherdale.

Lucy would like to thank all those who took part on the day, those who donated to the fund, the land owners for their kind support, Gala Rugby Club for hosting the start/finish and the Ladhope Inn for providing refreshments to the passing walkers. Also to the many home bakers who provided substance and a boost to blood sugar levels before, during and after the walks.