Around 800 maroon and white wristbands for the Rowan Boland Memorial Trust were sold last Saturday as Galaleans supporting the Braw Lads’ Gathering also got behind the charity. More wristbands have had to be ordered after the adult size was sold out, and their popularity reflects the widely-held opinion of Rowan.

The nine-year-old Balmoral Primary School pupil died in April after collapsing while playing with friends at Gala Cricket Club, where he was a talented member of the under-13 side as well as the Borders under-11 squad.

And dad David Boland says the trust, which counts Scottish Borders Council’s senior sports officer John McBay as one of its members, will aim to help Galashiels’ young sporting talent to further their careers.

He said: “We hope to raise money for anyone from Galashiels under the age of 18 who is requiring funds to help them progress.

“For example, a lot of young sports people have to travel to Edinburgh to compete, which can be costly, so they will be able to apply to the trust for funding to help them continue to take part.

“At the moment we are intending to limit applicants to those from Galashiels, but, depending on how much we raise, it could be extended to allow young athletes from across the Borders to apply.”

Fundraising for the Rowan Boland Memorial Trust will not end with the selling of wristbands.

Gala CC members Keith Irvine, Stephen Halls, George Henry and Kris Mein plan to cycle around each of the Borders cricket grounds on September 11. On the same day, fellow Gala CC player David Hancock will compete the last leg of his summer walking tour of Borders grounds by trekking from Whitestone Park in Peebles to Galashiels’ Meigle Park.

And a race night in Galashiels Volunteer Hall in October will include a raffle and auction, with prizes including signed rugby tops donated by Chris Paterson and Gregor Townsend, a four-ball at Gleneagles, courtesy of Scotland football international John Collins, and a signed England cricket top.

Another batch of wristbands have been ordered and will be sold in The Trophy Guy shop, Galashiels, or contact David Boland on 07795 460286.