A BORDERS soldier has completed an epic charity challenge.

Ross Glass, from Peebles, and his pals from the Royal Marines based at 45 Commando, RM Condor and Arbroath, cycled a whopping 617 miles as well as completing the Three Peaks Challenge along the way.

The former Peebles Rovers and Gala Fairydean footballer answered the call from fellow Marine Daniel Stewart.

The 27-year-old was diagnosed with testicular cancer a year ago.

He wanted to raise money for the charity that helped him through his illness, Friends of Anchor.

Daniel said supporters and sponsors have so far raised more than £16,000 – and counting - with the funds raised to be split between Friends of Anchor in Aberdeen and the Royal Marines charity.

He said: “We’ve had more than £10,000 donated online and £3,000 from sponsors.

"We haven’t counted money from the bucket collections along the way, so that will add to it. I’d like to thank everyone for their support."

The 14 Marines set off from North Wales last Monday, eventually crossing the finishing line at Brewdog’s brewery in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, to a rousing reception on Saturday.

As if cycling 125 miles a day was not hard enough, the group also climbed the tallest peaks in Wales, England and Scotland.

Daniel added: “It was tough going at times.

"We only had one day of sun, and the rain made it really hard on some days.

“On the first day, we had 10 punctures between us. One guy had three alone.

“Climbing the peaks after cycling was particularly hard and my knees were destroyed by the end of the third one – and we still had to cycle the rest of the way.

“But crossing the finish line was an amazing feeling – particularly as there were so many people there. We were all blown away.

“Particularly amazing was that some of the families of the lads from England had come up to Ellon just to see them at the end.”