ROWAN was a lively, energetic and special little boy who tragically died whilst playing at Gala Cricket Club on April 19, 2010, aged just nine.

Rowan was a keen and enthusiastic sportsman who, even at his young age, had already played representative cricket for the Borders Under 11s.

He would have had many opportunities to progress in his sport of choice and along with his love, passion and ability for cricket and other sports, he would undoubtedly have gone onto greater things as he grew older.

Sadly, these opportunities have been taken from him but in his memory, the Rowan Boland Memorial Trust has been formed.

The Trust provide junior sports people, living in the Borders, with assistance to enable them to further their sporting careers, whatever their chosen sport. It recognises the ever increasing financial burden of training and competing at the higher end of sport and will offer financial assistance to juniors who have shown proven ability in their sport.

Rowan fitted into this category and would have been a worthy recipient of assistance from such a trust and would have enjoyed the benefits he would have gained. The naming of the trust will ensure Rowan will be long remembered and he will leave a legacy across many sports in the Galashiels and Borders area.

One of the Trust’s main fundraisers is the annual Meigle Run at Gala Cricket Club, Meigle Park, Galashiels, on Friday, May 1.

Runners and walkers of all ages and standards are encouraged to take part in the event, which is run in conjunction with local running club Gala Harriers, with funds raised going to the Trust to help young sportspeople from across the Borders.

The junior fun run starts at 6pm, with the 5km fun run/walk - also open to dog walkers and families - starting at 6.15pm.

The final event, the 10km Meigle road race, begins at 7pm, which was last year won by Kelso’s Daryl Hastie.

And the Braw Lad and Lass, Cameron Pate and Abbie Frankland, will be on hand to present the medals.

Registration is from 5pm, with entry fees being £2 for the junior fun run, £5 for the 5km fun run and the 10km Meigle road race, while a family entry is £10. There will also be food and refreshments available afterwards.