STAFF and students at Borders College have pledged their time to rowing to raise money for next year's Sport Relief.

As part of the national campaign, Row Britannia, Borders College will row 2,020 miles on rowing machines courtesy of the college's neighbours TriFitness.

And the challenge is already under way as rowing began on November 12. Team BCSA Tartan Monkeys hope to raise £3000 by March 13, 2020, marking the end of the week-long Sport Relief campaign.

Students and staff were inspired to push on with the challenge after a visit from ocean rowing legend, Leven Brown. Leven even donated one of his rowing machines to the College, which will sit in the Students' Union for the coming months.

Students’ Association President Ann Letham, who coordinated the challenge, said: “We thought it would be a great idea to get involved in the challenge after a recent visit from record breaking rower Leven Brown, who gave an inspiring talk about his rowing adventures.

We want to encourage as many staff and students as possible to take up the challenge and get rowing for this worthwhile cause.”

Row Britannia is supported by the British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) and focuses on mental health provision for young people as well as health and fitness overall.

The rowing challenge aims to raise funds for Sport Relief, but also to raise awareness of mental fitness issues.

Row Britannia is an adaptive sport challenge, and is open to all students in the College.

The Borders College Students' Association has set up a Just Giving page to collect their donations.

To support the BCSA Tartan Monkeys' Row Britannia campaign, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bcsa