That response sowed the seed for the development of another charity with a larger group of beneficiaries — greater awareness and support for all those who have suffered spinal cord injuries and a bid to find a cure.

The Big Day Off Trust was launched yesterday, with Border business operators and employees being urged to get behind the initiative and grow it to become a national and international success.

The idea is that businesses donate a number of days off for their staff, who buy raffle tickets for a draw that rewards them with a free day off work that’s not taken out of their annual leave.

Those who win the days off further promote the initiative by spending the time doing the things they love and telling everyone about it via social media including Facebook and Instagram.

Organisers are hoping Big Day Off will grow to rival events such as Movember in terms of public recognition and fundraising, a great result if it can be made to happen.