A huge thank you to all who took part in the 2010 Hearts & Heroes Challenge on Saturday 15^th May. Over 500 people descended on the Southern Upland Way to run or walk 12, 21 and 29 miles, in support of Poppyscotland and Hearts & Balls. Enjoying the unique camaraderie and banter were a mix of military teams, rugby clubs, work colleagues, friends and charity supporters, who all put their hearts behind our heroes for a day of fun and fitness. All money raised will go to help Armed Forces veterans and injured rugby players.

TV presenter and Poppyscotland ambassador Jackie Bird joined rugby players Heather Lockhart and Sarah-Louise Walker from the Scotland women’s team to call for more female teams to compete in the Poppyscotland Hearts & Heroes Challenge.

Former rugby player turned presenter John Beattie also added his support to encourage participants to raise as much sponsorship money as possible to provide vital support to injured rugby players and Armed Forces veterans.

Jackie Bird explained that she is delighted to be supporting the event: “In the spirit of the Challenge, it’s an excellent opportunity for the girls to give the guys a run for their money!

“I have spent time in Afghanistan and I have witnessed first-hand the real dangers that Servicemen and women face every day. Sadly, when they come home, many struggle to adjust to civilian life and may face financial, physical or psychological difficulties. By entering this event and raising money through sponsorship, all participants can make a real difference to the lives of Armed Forces veterans.”

Prop Heather Lockhart, who has been capped 39 times for Scotland, added: “The Challenge is a great way for the rugby community in Scotland to support its own. It is also a good team-building event, with added competition to get everyone involved and motivated. This is a huge year for women’s rugby in Scotland, with the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England in August, and a great time for everyone to get involved in all kinds of sport and exercise.”

Players and supporters from Perthshire RFC took some time out ahead of the match against Irvine on Sat 6th March to launch their entry into the Hearts & Heroes Challenge.

Ali Anderson and Bob Lindsay will captain two teams of four in the 29-mile challenge and are appealing for teams from the area to compete alongside them. If you would like to join them and 800 more like-minded individuals then sign up today!

Radio Borders is launching its campaign to support the Poppyscotland Hearts & Heroes Challenge.

At an event at Melrose on Monday 1 March Faces for Radio (the presenters) and Ladies and the Tramps (station sales staff) were joined by local soldiers, Lance Corporal Graeme Tait and Sergeant Mick Fullbrook, to encourage Borderers to get involved in the challenge.

Captain of Ladies and the Tramps and Station Director at Radio Borders is Lynsey Graham, who said: “Radio Borders covered the event on air last year. It seemed like a really good fun day out with lots of camaraderie and banter so we decided to get fully behind it this year and take part to experience the fun for ourselves.

“We are hoping to raise as much money as possible for these two worthwhile charities and will have lots of information on our website about the teams’ progress. We hope local people will get behind the event too and either sign up or support Radio Borders!”

Lance Corporal Tait said: “This is an excellent event and helps a charity close to our hearts. Our detachment raised £700 in sponsorship last year and we are aiming even higher this year. The boys are looking forward to the challenge and having a great day out.”