A 78-YEAR-OLD Borders’ man who walked almost 7,000 miles during lockdown to raise money for Cancer Research UK has been recognised with an award at the Scottish ClubSport Conference.

David Laing from Kelso has now raised in excess of £2,000 for the charity in memory of many of his friends who have died from the disease since the start of the pandemic.

His travels have not been without incident though. Due to a dropped foot and lack of muscle in his right leg David had 22 falls, luckily none too serious resulting in only a few head stitches, cuts and abrasions. The wrong footwear resulted in the loss of his left foot big toe nail which still causes him pain but is starting to grow back.

He’s been soaked many times, battered by hailstones, snow and sleet and heavy winds and had to replace four pairs of trainers but on the brighter side he has taken more than 200 photos of wildflowers and have named almost all, photographed some beautiful scenery, river and farm life, shed a few pounds and lifted litter which he have done for almost 70 years.

He is an inspirational figure in the community who is also a telephone kindness volunteer with the Chest Heart and Stroke Association and still collates PVGs for Scottish Borders Disability Sport Group.

A Spokesperson for the organisation said: “Scottish ClubSport highly values the support provided to the sector from our Life Members over the years. It is therefore fitting that we take the time to celebrate their ongoing good work and support them in their personal endeavours too.

“David Laing is a Life Member who used the extra time given to him in lockdown to help him on his mission to raise money for an excellent cause – covering 7000 miles by walking and cycling for Cancer Research UK.”

David is not resting on his laurels however and told the Border Telegraph: “I’m hoping to add to that and am appealing to friends and colleagues to make a donation as soon as they can. All donations would be much appreciated and can be given at my Justgiving Page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/David-Laing12.

“For anyone unable to access the link, I am also happy to accept donations via cheque or cash and I will ensure that all donations made in this way will be paid to Cancer Research UK on a weekly basis.”

The Scottish ClubSport Conference and AGM took place on Saturday 25th September 2021 at the Stirling Court Hotel, Stirling.