One of the region’s biggest annual charity events is celebrating a special milestone this year.
The “golden mile” walk for Marie Curie Cancer Care, held on Sunday and which attracted 180 people, plus 30 who did the accompanying 10km event, also saw a special luncheon to mark the Borders Field of Hope’s 20th anniversary.
Over the intervening years, hundreds of walkers have turned out and raised thousands of pounds for the charity.
But the annual event would perhaps not have been the success it is, or had the same longevity, were it not for a very special person.
The main co-ordinator and founder of the project is Anne Macintyre, from Kelso, who was also the charity’s Borders fundraising manager, until retiring five years ago. She is still involved, still supporting the cause because she remains so passionate about it.
While many people have been involved and should be thanked for all their hard work and fundraising, there are occasions when it is right to put one person centre stage.
I met Anne on Sunday and was inspired by her warmth and friendliness to all who attended the event, and by her organisational skills, which were very obvious.
It is people like Anne who are an inspiration to the rest of us, and make us proud to be Borderers.