FORMER footballer Craig Livingstone has completed his 150-mile walk across the Southern Upland Way from Portpatrick to Lauder then onto Gordon.

And he has raised an incredible £5,400 for two worthwhile causes.

The money will be divided between Evie’s Batten Journey in support of Melrose youngster Evie Mitchell who was diagnosed with the extremely rare CLN5 variation of Batten Disease in November last year and Gordon Football Club’s bid to purchase their pitch

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

Craig (35) who played for Selkirk in the East of Scotland League and had a spell at Gala Fairydean told us: It’s been an experience I’ll never forget and I’m just glad I could do something to help the two causes.

“I started off on the Monday morning and finished the walk at 5.30pm on the Saturday night. It was grim at time, but I never once thought of giving up either in the heat or in the howling gales.

“Thank you to Iain Russell, Euan Brown, Clare Armit, Kenneth Armit,Karen Wilson, Stewart Wilson and my mum and dad. I couldn’t have done it without their help.

“Also I’d like to the people that came along to clap me in at the football pitch and for all the messages every day. It was a massive help looking at them to keep me going.

“Evie came along to see me on the Thursday which made it even more special. It was fantastic to see her.

“Including the cash donations, I have raised around £5,400 which will be split between Evie’s Battens Journey and Gordon Football Club.

“A lot of people in the village thought that either the council or the club owned the ground but that’s not the case.

“Gordon Primary school uses it for PE and their sports day. The Civic Week use it for rounders, football, sports and the fancy dress. Kids use it to play on.

"The whole village uses it so it would be a huge loss to the village if it wasn't there. There is a meeting planned for August 10 and hopefully we get a big turn out.”