A PRIORSFORD Primary School pupil has smashed his fundraising target for the NHS as he bids to run 5km every day for 30 days.

Nine-year-old Sam Menzies, from Peebles, took on the challenge after being treated by NHS Borders following an accident in his back garden.

Sam's mum Anja Menzies called herself "unbelievably proud", saying: "He's a sporty little guy and I've loved seeing him make the connection between doctors helping us, but that we can help them too."

Sam usually splits his run into 2.5km in the morning, following by 2.5km in the afternoon.

But on a few occasions, including his ninth birthday earlier this month, he has gone the full distance in one swoop.

The sponsored run began on May 5 and it is due to be completed on June 3.

Sam's original fundraising target was £150 – £1 for every kilometre he would run – but he has shot past his goal, raising almost four times as much as hoped.

As this newspaper's deadline approached, Sam had raised £560 for NHS Charities Together.

The money will go towards staff and volunteers caring for COVID-19 patients.

Ms Menzies said: "The support he's got is amazing – I think this will inspire him for a long time."

To donate to Sam's fundraiser, you can visit this page.