Young players from Longhoughton Rangers, between the ages of six and 15, swapped their football boots for running shoes and bikes last weekend as they navigated the entire Northumberland border.

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Accompanied by coaches and parents, Rangers ran and cycled round the county's perimeter in an attempt to bag cash for their club and Grace House North East Children's Hospice Appeal.

To spice up the Border Challenge, the participants had to carry a Northumberland flag around the course, which incorporated The Cheviots, Berwick and parts of Cumbria. One section of the challenge was even done by lifeboat, between Boulmer and Amble.

But the event, which started at 5.45am on Saturday morning was not without its drama.

Club coach and event organiser John Stevenson had to complete part of the challenge on Monday after fellow trainer Adam Harris was knocked off his bike on Sunday with just 25miles of the marathon remaining.

John said: "Some stages did not get done after the incident so to complete the missing stages and to make sure all of it was done I cycled from where the accident took place to Longhoughton.

"I had to make sure I had completed it in my own mind so we could go to the sponsors and say the challenge was completed."

John did the cycle in 2¾ hours and added afterwards: "It is very satisfying and rewarding to complete the course."

Even more rewarding is the amount of money which the challenge has raised. The total is still rising, with the target set at £10,000. The cash will be split between the club and the hospice appeal, a fund set up by broadcaster Kathy Secker to build and equip a home from home for youngsters with life-limiting illnesses.

The hospice, when built, will have a catchment area from Berwick to Teesside, providing care for the children and support for their families.

John said: "The majority of the money will go to the hospice. There is a great need for one in the area – it is a great idea."
About 80 people took part in the challenge.

John said: "It was a very successful event and it was a great attendance by one and all. It went so well that everybody wants to have it as an annual event."

Longhoughton Rangers Youth Football Club caters for about 180 boys and girls supported by 26 FA qualified coaches. Last year, it became the first club in Alnwick district to achieve the prestigious FA Charter Standard Development Club status.

Anyone wishing to donate should send their money to 2 Elworthy Road, Longhoughton, NE66 3LS, or make cheques payable to Longhoughton Rangers Youth Football Club.

For more information on Grace House, visit www.gracehouse.co.uk or email kl@gracehouse.co.uk