AN AVID football fan from Galashiels has put rivalry aside to take part in a fundraising challenge.
Hibernian supporter Darren Thomson suffered a stroke six years ago following a blood clot on his brain.
And on Friday, with the help of his support workers, he travelled from Melrose to Selkirk, and then on to Galashiels, wearing 10 different Premiership jerseys.
During the eight-hour challenge he was accompanied by Andrew Miller, Alastair Jamieson and Steven Waugh – who all volunteered to help raise £10,000 for the region's Stroke Ward and the Gala Fairydean Rovers Disability Squad.
Darren left Gibson Park, Melrose, at 10am wearing a Dundee United top.
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He arrived back at Netherdale at 4pm and was greeted Gala football coach Graeme McIver and several members of the disability squad.
Because Graeme is a Heart of Midlothian fan, the 27-year-old wore his arch rivals' maroon jersey on the last leg.
But the expression on his face told what he thought of it.
Darren said: “I’m raising money for the stroke ward and the Gala Fairydean Rovers Disability Squad so if you can donate please do.
“I decided to wear different Premiership tops along the way as there are people in the disability team that support different teams.
“This meant I had to wear a Hearts top, but I had something underneath so it didn’t touch my skin.
"It’s the first time I have ever worn a Hearts strip and it will be the last. But at least Graeme had a smile on his face when I got back to Netherdale.
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“I’d like to thank my support workers who did all the work, I just sat in my chair.
“ITV interviewed me before we took off from Gibson Park and filmed me arriving at Netherdale. I’d like to get on This Morning to meet Holly Willoughby.”
Darren was born with Noonan Syndrome which affects the heart and liver and required nine operations before his 21st birthday.
He hit the national headlines while recovering at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh when he overheard nurses talking about how they supported Hearts, the fierce rivals of his beloved Hibs.
He then surprised hospital staff by uttering his first words in more than three months in response: “Hearts are s***e”.
Since then, Darren has amassed tens of thousands of hits on his YouTube channel, interviewing an array of celebrities.
And he has even launched his own brand of clothing.
Coach Graeme McIver said: “Everyone involved with the Gala Fairydean Rovers FC para/disability squad is extremely grateful to Darren and his support workers for their efforts in raising funds to support our activities.
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“Our squad helps to end social exclusion and improve fitness for disabled players from across the Borders.
"Any money raised helps us deliver training sessions and matches.
“Darren was an important part of our squad prior to his stroke and we have worked hard to keep him involved and feel part of our Community Trust during his recovery.
“We are delighted that he is undertaking this very worthwhile fundraising attempt for both ourselves and the Stroke Ward at the Borders General Hospital.”
To donate to Darren's fundraiser, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/darrenpthomson
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