AN EX-BORDERS footballer will walk 150 miles in a bid to help a terminally ill young girl achieve her dreams.

Craig Livingstone is aiming to raise cash for nine-year-old Evie, who was diagnosed with the extremely rare CLN5 variation of Batten Disease in November last year.

Batten Disease is a neurodegenerative condition with no current treatment. Her family are now focused on making sure Evie’s remaining years are happy, comfortable and providing her with rich experiences while she is able to enjoy them.

Evie, from Melrose, is a happy, sporty, sociable girl who adores animals and loves horse riding.

Craig – who played for Selkirk in the East of Scotland League and had a spell at Gala Fairydean – told us: “I’m doing the walk on my own although some pals may join in for part of the route and I will be taking a tent with me to stay in.

“My friend Claire’s niece Evie has been diagnosed with Batten Disease. Evie is nine years old and only three days older than my own daughter and that made it really hit home to me how precious life is.

“I couldn’t imagine being in that situation and I wanted to do something to raise money to donate to Evie’s Batten’s Journey so her and her family can make memories. I think one of her dreams is to visit her aunt and uncle and cousins in New Zealand so every penny helps."

The 35-year-old's journey is scheduled to start at 7.30am on Monday, July 4 at Portpatrick and over the next six days he aims to walk the 138 miles to Lauder on the Southern Upland Way then an additional 12 miles to Gordon.

Through his fundraising efforts, Craig is also looking to help out one of the region's football clubs.

He has set a goal of £500, with any money raised set to be divided between Evie’s Batten’s Journey and Gordon FC’s bid to buy their pitch.

“The other cause is so that Gordon Football Club can raise enough money to buy the pitch they have rented for many years," said Craig. "The owners now want to sell it and we are looking to raise enough money to be able to buy it.

“It isn’t only the football club that use the pitch. Gordon Primary School use it for P.E and their sports day. The Civic Week also use it for rounders, football, sports and the fancy dress. In fact the whole village use it and it would be a huge loss to the village if it wasn’t there.

“I would really appreciate any donations so we can help a little girl and her family make treasured memories and help an entire village have use of a pitch.”

To donate visit Fundraiser by Craig Livingstone : Evie’s Batten’s Journey and Gordon Football Club on gofundme.com.