RETIRED Scottish teacher Chris Harvie’s "Murrayfield to Malta for MND" challenge is progressing as planned.

The 67-year-old who formerly taught at Preston Lodge High School in Prestonpans set off from the home of Scottish Rugby on Saturday April 22 with just a tent and sleeping bag.

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After cycling to Portsmouth, Chris took the ferry to Ouistreham in Northern France where he was joined by a couple of friends who accompanied him for part of the way.

Chris is completing the challenge in memory of a close friend and also his brother in law Michael Burslam and all money raised will go to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

Border Telegraph: Chris Harvie's Murrayfield to Malta challengeChris Harvie's Murrayfield to Malta challenge (Image: Chris Harvie)

Chris said: “I am now in Southern Italy In a town called San Severo. Crossed the Alps at Col Mont Cenis and down to Turin.

“From there i headed for the Adriatic Coast which has proved to be a great decision as it's 95% flat and 75% on dedicated cycle tracks.

“The French and Italian people have been really interested. Only yesterday the host of my accommodation read my tee shirt and contacted press in Termoli and I did wee interview and photo session.

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“I Hope to hit Sicily in six to seven days, Etna permitting, then over to Malta.

“So far I’ve completed 1,780 miles and lost around one stone in weight.”

Chris has raised £3,719 of his £1,500 target.