THEY have climbed the equivalent of Mount Everest and back - and only fell out once.

Sporty sweethearts Fraser Thomson and Rachel Nuttall spent three days hiking up and down the middle Eildon over the weekend for charity.

The Melrose rugby winger and his hockey star fiancée set themselves a target of 30 ascents and descents from the Golf Club gates between Friday and Sunday.

And despite heavy winds, occasional downpours and a single row, they had reached the peak 29 times by the end of light on Saturday.

Fraser, 26, told us: “We managed to complete 15 climbs on a miserable Friday, 14 on a very windy Saturday and we left one special trip up for Sunday which was the nicest of the three days.

“It was the toughest thing either of us has ever done, physically and mentally.

“There were points particularly on the Friday where we weren’t sure if we would be able to do it but we battled on.

“In total we did 82,392 steps and 38.3 miles - and we only fell out once!” Many friends and family joined in with Fraser and Rachel for parts of their challenge.

And their black Labrador, Buster, was ever present on each of the three days.

Fraser added: “Our bodies are in bits but it has been worth it because we have already received over £1000 for our charities on our just giving page.

“We are so grateful for all who helped us along the way and to everyone who has sponsored us so far.” The former Scottish age-group and club internationalist along with his hockey-playing partner were raising money for the Rowan Boland Trust as well as Callum’s Trust with each step.

The Rowan Boland Trust raises money to help young sports stars from the region reach their goal. And Callum’s Trust supports lymphoma, leukaemia and myeloma patients in the Borders.

David Boland of the Rowan Boland Memorial Trust said: “It was a superb effort by Fraser and Rachel to climb the Eildons 30 times, which is the same distance as walking up Mount Everest and back.

“The money they have raised will potentially help a number of young people in the region pay for essential items required to continue, and prosper, in their chosen sports.” To sponsor Rachel and Fraser log onto http://www.justgiving.com/teams/FrazandRach