Cammie strides out for NHS Borders

Cammy Chapman was named Tweedbank Lad last year and now he’s raising cash for a local health charity.

While most youngsters will be battling baddies on the latest games consoles, Cammie Chapman is recording his daily exercise, hoping to walk a total of 100 miles before mid-June.

And while he set a £100 target for his chosen charity The Difference – Borders Health Board Endowment Funds, the kind-hearted kid has already blown that out of the water, with a total of £445 raised.

Cammie, who was delighted to be made Tweedbank Lad last year alongside lass Eilidh Milliken, wanted to help the local NHS, after mum Fauve – normally an OT assistant in Paediatrics at the Borders General Hospital – was drafted in to help out in the Covid-19 wards.

Fauve said: “He’s only been doing it a week, and he’s doing brilliantly, with 17 miles in already.

“He said he was missing his friends and family, and was a bit fed up, but was keen to do something to help out the local NHS.

“People have been incredibly generous by donating more than he ever expected.”

Cammie is keeping his walks local to Tweedbank and the surrounding area, and is recordingthem using the Strava mobile phone app, so that people can check his progress.

On his Just Giving page, Cammie said: “I have decided to do something positive during a difficult time, to help to take my mind off missing my friends and family, and to raise money for NHS Borders who are working incredibly hard during Covid 19.

“I aim to walk 100 miles, by 12th of June at the latest, and would be grateful if you would consider sponsoring me.

After his first week, he wrote: “Thank you for helping me exceed my expectations and raise well over my £100 target.

“I have completed my final walk of this week and have managed 17 miles in total so far.

“I am happy as I didn’t think I would do as many miles in my first week!

“I am so proud of how my mum and NHS Borders are coping in these tough times.”

And people have been so impressed by Cammie’s efforts, they have been doing just that, leaving words of encouragement along with their donations.

Fiona Horsburgh said: “Fabulous Cammie! What an inspiration you are. Keep plodding on xxx”

Harris and Polly Smith added: “What a lovely and thoughtful thing to do Cammie! Good luck! Xx”

And Jack Chapman agreed. writing: “Im really proud of what you are doing Cam, its for a really important cause.”

To check how Cammie’s getting on with his fundraising effort, or to donate, visit https://bit.ly/3a9ampo