A 77-YEAR-OLD keep-fit fanatic is hoping to raise £1,000 for Cancer Research – in memory of his friends who died from the disease during the pandemic.

David Laing, from Kelso, has taken to walking and cycling to help the charity.

And he has already amassed 13.5 million steps.

David, who is a ‘telephone kindness’ volunteer with the Chest Heart and Stroke Association, also collates PVGs for the Scottish Borders Disability Sport Group.

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Since March last year, he has walked an incredible 6,968 miles and cycled 512 miles – accurately measured by his AA route planner.

Initially between March and October he walked 3,018 miles then his wife Ella suggested that he get a health tracker fitness app. David then decided to walk another 3,950 miles – which is the same distance as travelling to the Earth’s core.

His travels have not been without incident though.

Due to a dropped foot and lack of muscle in his right leg, David has had 22 falls, luckily none too serious, resulting in only a few head stitches, cuts and abrasions.

He’s been soaked many times, battered by hailstones, snow and sleet and heavy winds and had to replace four pairs of trainers.

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But he has taken more than 200 photos of wildflowers; photographed some beautiful scenery, river and farm life; shed a few pounds and lifted litter, which he has done for almost 70 years.

The retired industrial accountant told the Border Telegraph: “I may have become quite obsessive.

“Some days I got carried away and walked over eight hours just to get the miles in.

“I’ve always liked to keep fit and played a lot of racket sports when I was younger.

“I decided to raise money for Cancer Research UK in memory of many friends from St Andrews, Edinburgh and Kelso who have died from that disease since the start of lockdown.

“My own prostate cancer prognosis is looking good after almost five years and as a tribute to Alan McLaren my original consultant oncologist who retires in August, I thought this was appropriate.”

To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/David-Laing12.