ON Friday, September 12, ten of our Sixth Year pupils, including myself, set off on the gruelling 70 mile Borders Abbeys Way in aid of local charity, the Gail Wilson Memorial Trust.

The educational charity, based in Galashiels, helps financially disadvantaged pupils gain entry into further and higher education.

Starting from Melrose Abbey, the team managed to negotiate some tricky descents and challenging climbs through the rough terrain, and raised over £350 in the process.

Energy levels were low at times, but spirits remained high. Despite one or two injuries, everyone arrived back late on Sunday night, exhausted but safe, and proud of their achievement.

The team - which also included Abby Wilson, Jenny Stavert, Callum Duncanson, Amelia Handley, Sinead Handley, Alicia Davidson, Joanna Maciejewska, Euan Graham, and Marcus Gordon - even managed to make an appearance in school the next morning, extremely tired but ready for the week ahead.

Gail Wilson was a former Galashiels Academy pupil and the Trust was set up in her memory.

For more details on applying for a grant or organising your own fundraiser, contact the group via their page on Facebook.