THE son-in-law of a former Galashiels policeman who was killed in a crash last year has embarked on a gruelling challenge in his memory.

Ian Whillans died in a motorcycle crash near Cornhill on Tweed last October.

The father of three had only retired from Police Scotland three months earlier.

Now Colin McCall, who is married to Ian's daughter Samantha, is undertaking a year of fundraising challenges in his memory.

And he's also raising funds for local sports charity, the Rowan Boland Trust, with each step of his challenge.

The 43-year-old Scottish Water employee has already completed the London Marathon, with the gruelling Lakesman Ironman coming up next month and then ending with the Tweed Valley Ultra Marathon in November.

Colin told us: "I was already planning to do the ironman this year but after Ian's death I wanted to do something in his memory.

"Ian wasn't only a father to my wife and her sisters, he was also a grandfather, a much-loved husband and a great friend to many people.

"Ian was a big sports fan and he would have appreciated the challenges I'm taking on and the charity that will benefit."

Colin's fundraising page - www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cocomcc - has already gathered in more than £1200 for his chosen charity.

And he hopes to raise even more for the Rowan Boland Trust as he attempts both the ironman, which includes a 112-mile cycle and 2.4-mile swim on top of a marathon run, and the 40-miles ultra marathon at the end of the year.

Colin added: "Every penny I raise will go to the Rowan Boland Trust to help young sports people realise their potential."

"Being a runner, I know a lot of people will think it’s second nature for me doing all these races , but believe me it gets harder everyday trying to train and keep so fit.

"I am having to train up to 25 hours a week for these challenges.

"I am grateful for every penny I raise as it's for a magical charity in Ian’s memory."