A THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD boy has raised £3,300 to buy and install a defibrillator for Melrose Bowling Club – and potentially another in the town centre.

The club’s youngest member, Ryan Turnbull, was on a family walk one evening when he spotted a life-saving machine at Darnick Village Hall.

And came up with the idea of a 'Bowls Marathon' of 12 hours of continuous play to get one installed at his club.

Since then he has worked relentlessly to promote his campaign and set his fundraising goal at an ambitious £1,500.

Ryan received support from individuals and businesses throughout the Melrose community including The Bakehouse, Burts Hotel and Dalgetty Bakers who provided refreshments; and from DH Design & Print, Kelso who provided branded hoodies to wear on the day.

A Marathon Bowls squad of five players was finalised, to create a small window of rotation, with Ryan leading the team.

Eight opposition teams were signed up to each play 90-minute matches against the MBC Marathon Team throughout the day.

Play got under way at 7am on Saturday morning and of the eight matches, the Marathon Team won six – giving them an overall score total of 136 – compared with the 62 accumulated by the opposition sides combined.

Around 50 family, friends and club members attended to watch the final and presentation at conclusion of play at 7pm on Saturday evening.

Ryan presented medals donated by the Trophy Guy in Galashiels, then revealed to the gathered crowd that the fundraising total achieved stood at at just over £3,300.

As a result, the club will now be able to order an external defibrillator and specialised thermostatically controlled cabinet.

And the club has made outline enquiry last week with local community council to propose gift of a further device somewhere in the local area.

Melrose BC president Craig Elliot spoke at closing ceremony, recognising Ryan for his efforts and determination.

Club secretary Lee Haldane told the Border Telegraph: “On behalf of everyone at Melrose Bowling Club, I would like to say that we are all proud of what Ryan has achieved.

"His wish is that a second defibrillator is installed somewhere that is available to the public somewhere in the town centre.

"He has only been playing bowls for a couple of years after coming along with his gran for taster session and has been playing with small bowls but as thank you, the club have contributed to a new set of bowls."