Borders MP Michael Moore and Leader of Scottish Borders Council David Parker have announced plans to walk the 65 mile 'Borders Abbeys Way' to raise funds for the Special Care Baby Unit at the Borders General Hospital in Melrose.

David and Ruth Parker with Angus; Sheila Campbell of VisitScotland; Jane Kennedy and Jackie Ballantyne of SCBU; Alison, Michael and Ella Moore

And as they do the walk they also hope to promote the great, local opportunities that exist to enjoy the beauty, hospitality and visitor attractions of the Borders.

David celebrated the birth of his son, Angus, in March, while Michael celebrated the arrival of Ella in May. Both babies were born prematurely, and spent the early part of their lives in the Special Care Baby Unit [SCBU] of the BGH, where they received fantastic care from the team of specialists.

David and Michael wish to give something back on behalf of Angus and Ella, and are therefore walking the Borders Abbeys Way together, over the 5 days from 29th August to 2nd September.

They are hoping to raise sufficient money to enable the Special Care Baby team to purchase a couple of height-adjustable cots, costing a total of £3,000.

And as they go along the route they are also wanting to draw attention to the great walks and other activities that visitors and local people can enjoy in the Borders.

Anybody who wants to contribute can do so by visiting www.4abbeys4scbu.co.uk, then clicking on the link to JustGiving to make an online donation, or clicking on the separate link to download the sponsorship form. Any cheques should be made payable to "BHBEF Fund 85 SCBU".

Any businesses wanting to sponsor the fathers' efforts should contact them directly. But even before the official launch of the walk, Michael and David have been taken aback by the generosity of local businesses and others who have already begun to contribute.

In particular the two men are grateful to Andrew McEwan at 'The WebWorkshop' for the design and production of the logos and website and Robin Robson at ProMotif in Kelso for producing the T-shirts.

Commenting at the launch, David Parker said:

"The Special Care Baby Unit helped us enormously after Angus was born. Ruth and I are really grateful to them and all the other professionals who made such a difference. I hope that by raising this money they will be able to enhance the care available to other families."

Michael Moore added:

"Alison and I owe a lot to the amazing team of doctors, nurses and midwives who looked after Ella at the BGH in her first few days. This walk is one way for us to say 'thank you' and hopefully to help the brilliant team at SCBU to obtain some important new equipment."

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