When Hawick Rotary's Secretary and Immediate Past President Ron Smith and his wife Eileen moved to their new home at Westcote near Cavers Church, they found wonderful views which take in part of the town of Hawick, the Eildons, Minto Crags and, most prominently, the Minto Hills.

Despite having come to the Borders in 1972, Ron, now 76, has never been to the top of the Minto Hills. A career as a schoolteacher and then as an SBC Councillor may have contributed to his being a bit overweight, with ensuing health issues – angina, Type 2 diabetes and gout! However the new life near Cavers has led to more exercise and Ron is now keen to chalk Minto Hills off his bucket list, while raising funds for Hawick Rotary.

Three-quarters of the funds raised by his walking from home to the hilltop and back – a distance of about 12 miles – will be immediately disbursed to a range of charities, while the remaining quarter will be held in reserve for distribution during Rotary Year 2021-22 to needy local charities. Donations can be made through this Just Giving page, or sent to Hawick Rotary's treasurer Scott Elliot at 66 Princes Street, Hawick.

Fellow Rotarian Ron Sutherland with his wife Pat undertook a Seven Trigs Challenge last year in support of Hawick Rotary and this brought a superb £2600 which has all been donated to local groups. Hopefully Ron Smith's walk can add to this, while also proving that someone who has failed to take enough exercise in the past can turn a corner and achieve a goal. The plan is for the walk to take place on Friday August 27th.