A fantastic 542 people took part in the Poppyscotland Hearts & Heroes Challenge in the Scottish Borders on Saturday 16 May to raise money for three vital charities. 

Olympic athlete Steve Cram and veteran Chris Moon, who lost his right arm and leg and a mine-clearing incident in Mozambique, joined teams from the armed services, rugby clubs, corporates and charity supporters on the 29-mile challenge on the Southern Upland Way from St Mary’s Loch to Melrose, in aid of sporting charities The Sportsman’s Charity and Hearts & Balls and veterans’ charity, Poppyscotland.

Chris Moon completed the 29-mile challenge with dog Poppy. Chris lost his right arm and leg in a landmine clearing accident in Mozambique but has gone on to complete marathons and challenges around the world

Poppyscotland Chief Executive Jim Panton explained that organisers were blown away by the success of the event: “We are delighted that so many people turned out to take part in the challenge and raise vital funds for the three charities.  Thanks to all involved – volunteers, sponsors, supporters, and, most of all, the participants. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

Although the event is over, many of the participants are continuing with their fundraising efforts.  All funds raised will go to help injured sportsmen and women as well as veterans and their dependants living in Scotland.

John Frame, CEO of the Sportsman’s Charity, added: “The hope behind the formation of this event was that the communities of rugby, the military and Scotland’s corporate sector, alongside many other enthusiastic individuals, could come together in causes which they would wish to support. It’s happened!

“We haven’t set a target but we hope that we can raise £100,000 and create a strong foundation to build on in future years.”

As well as raising much-needed sponsorship money teams also competed for awards such as ‘fastest team’ and celebrated their achievements at a party at Greenyards rugby ground.

You can make a donation to the event at www.justgiving.com/heartsandheroes
To find out more about the event go to www.heartsandheroes.co.uk

Summary and winners’ list:
542 participants started - 415 completed gold, 48 completed silver, 79 completed bronze
Fastest person: David Blackie, Team Deuchars, 4 hours 53 minutes
Fastest Team: Scots Guards Silver Shadows, 5 hours 8 minutes
Fastest Armed Services: Scots Guards Silver Shadows, 5 hours 8 minutes
Fastest Rugby Team: Melrose RFC, 7 hours 8 minutes
Fastest corporate team: Team Deuchars, 5 hours 36 minutes
Fastest mixed team (min 2 women): Inchkeith Movers & Shakers, 6 hours 3 minutes
Fastest women only team: No Balls all Heart, 9 hours 49 minutes
Fastest International: Team Albania, 8 hours 22 minutes
Last but not leased: Ian Barnes, Jim Renwick, 13 hours 27 minutes
Fastest Over 50s: David McLean, 6 hours 19 minutes
Best Dressed: HMS Neptune Field Gun 09