A GROUP of former Melrose rugby players have travelled from the west to east coast of Scotland in 24 hours by cycling, running, walking and kayaking.

Jamie Murray, Scott Wight, Allan Dodds, Barbara Shiel, Steven Shiel, Mathew Wilkie, Wayne Mitchell and Rory Murray took on the challenge for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

The group of friends have raised more than their target of £24,000 for the charity thanks to their efforts.

Speaking to ITV Border before the challenge, Mr Wilkie described Weir as a “genuine Borders guy”, adding that he is “phenomenal”.

On the coast-to-coast fundraiser, he told the broadcaster: “A challenge isn’t a challenge if it’s not a challenge so it is what it is so deal with it.”

The group set off for a 90-mile cycle from Portpatrick, in Dumfries and Galloway, to Moffat at 12am on Saturday (June 5).

Peeblesshire News: Photo: Coast 2 Coast in 24 Hours Challenge/InstagramPhoto: Coast 2 Coast in 24 Hours Challenge/Instagram

They then embarked on a 15-mile run to St Mary’s Loch, setting off at 8am and arriving at 10.30am.

Speaking after the run, Mrs Shiel told ITV Border: “It was hard but in fairness teamwork makes the dream work.”

She added that it was “amazing” to see the crowd who had gathered to cheer the group on at St Mary’s Loch.

A two-mile kayak across the loch then followed, before a 23-mile cycle to Melrose.

Arriving in Melrose at 3pm, the group then walked 10 miles to Lauder, with a quick stop to meet Weir himself.

On the challenge, Weir said: “The whole journey has been quite special.”

The group then finished the mammoth challenge with a 32-mile cycle from Lauder to Cockburnspath/Cove.

As the Border Telegraph went to press this week, the total amount raised by the coast-to-coast challenge was £24,828.

Donations can be made through this website.