A WEE COUNTY pensioner has just completed a mammoth 214-mile hike and smashed her £1,000 fundraising target in the process.

Sarah Robertson, 76, finished her walk along the Southern Upland Way (SUW) last Saturday – after 17-and-a-half days of trekking and wild camping at night.

She was accompanied along the way by her husband David, who she could not thank enough for his help and support.

The SUW is a coast-to-coast route which stretching from Portpatrick in Dumfries to the east cost.

Sarah took on the mighty trek as part of a three-part challenge she set herself this year, in a bid to raise at least £1,000 for Motor Neuron Disease (MND) Scotland.

The charity's work means a lot to Sarah, as she sadly lost her close friend, Anne Shearer from Sauchie, to the condition last year.

As well as the SUW, the Alva woman plans to hike the Nebit 100 times before then walking across the Ochils from Glendevon to Menstrie.

Speaking to the Advertiser about her most recent accomplishment, she said she felt "fantastic" at having completed the 214-mile trek.

"It was amazing. The final day we walked in glorious sunshine," she said. "The second half of the walk was the most challenging.

"We had more hills, snow and a biting east wind, but there were more cafes and pubs to feed the inner man.

"The bluebell woods were beautiful, and it was great to be lulled to sleep in our wee tent by birdsong."

Sarah was keen to thank all those who have contributed to her fundraiser so far, and offered her support along the way.

She said: "We've made over £2,000, and £1,000 was my target, so I'm really pleased.

"I've not just had monetary support, but a lot of encouragement from people too, and I think it has heightened awareness of Motor Neurone Disease."

Now, after allowing herself a few more well-earned rest days, she will soon be gearing up to complete the remaining two parts of her challenge.

Sarah has already hiked up the Nebit 40 times this year, leaving her with 60 more summits to complete.

She will also be organising her walk across the Ochils in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, her fundraiser for MND Scotland remains open for donations, and she is keen for Wee County residents to join her on some of the upcoming walks.

To find out more information about Sarah's fundraising efforts, or to make a donation, visit tinyurl.com/y39h7h6m