THIS year’s ex-Braw Lads and Lasses Association sponsored walk has raised an impressive £2,000 which has been shared between two very worthwhile causes.

The walk took place on Saturday, July 17 which just happened to be the hottest day of the year.

Around 25 people took part and the money raised was divided equally between the Borders Macmillan Centre and Gala in Bloom.

On Monday 6 September former Braw Lad Greg Kelly and former Braw Lass Katie Scott handed over the cheques at a ceremony in Bank Street Gardens.

Assistant practitioner Elaine Bryson of the Borders Macmillan Centre who coincidentally was a Braw Lass herself in 1981 accepted the cheque for £1,000 and said: “On behalf of the Borders Macmillan centre, I’d like to thank the Braw Lads and Lassies Association for their very generous donation.

"The money will be spent on things that cancer patients need which are outwith the Health Board remit such as scarves and turbans for patients losing their hair, lavender touch massages, televisions and radios. Well done to everyone who took part in the walk and kindly donated to our charity.”

Judith Cleghorn, chairwoman of the Galashiels Community Council accepted the cheque on behalf of Gala in Bloom. She told us: “On behalf of the Galashiels Community Council I’d like to thank everyone involved in the Braw Lads and Lassies Association for such a generous donation.

"Lots of people have worked very hard to get the gardens looking as good as this. We are grateful for every penny which will be used to keep the gardens looking as beautiful as this for the whole town to appreciate. Without such donations we wouldn’t have these gardens so it’s nice to be able to come here and thank everyone in person.”