Stars shine on charity walk in Galashiels

A total of 128 people of all ages completed a 10.8 mile sponsored walk which started and finished with a lap of the running track in Tweedbank on Friday.

It was organised by the Rowan Boland Memorial Trust which was set up in memory of the former Balmoral Primary School pupil of the same name who died while playing at cricket near his home in Galashiels aged nine and offers other junior sports stars, living in the TD1 postal code area, to achieve their goals.

The Star Walk raised an estimated �800 and now it is hoped it could become an annual event.

David Boland, Chairperson of the Rowan Boland Memorial Trust, this week told the Border Telegraph: "This is the first time we've held this event and we were really pleased with the turnout." And he added: "We are hoping to build on that next year."

The sponsored walk, which was organised in association with local running club Gala Harriers, was based on the Edinburgh Moonwalk and followed the success of the charity's Meigle Hill Run.

Although it started and finished at Tweedbank, the route also included the Darnick, the black path, Langlee and the town centre in Galashiels.

David, who thanked everyone who supported the event, said: "The walk set off at 9.30pm and by 12.20am everyone had finished. John Marr was the first walker back in two hours and 20 minutes, although there were three or four girls from Gala Harriers who actually ran the route."

And he added: "We also received a number of donations from people who wanted to take part but couldn't for whatever reason."

Earlier this month, the charity hosted a family fun day at Meigle Park in Galashiels to raise funds for the Trust. It included a special coaching clinic by Scotland rugby star Greig Laidlaw.

And now it is planning its first Masquerade Ball in February next year. The event will be held in the Volunteer Hall in Galashiels on Saturday, February 9.

For more information log on to the following website - www.rowanbolandmemorialtrust.co.uk