Life Member – David Laing – Blog
Scottish ClubSport highly values the support provided to the sector from our Life Members over the years. It is therefore fitting that we take the time to celebrate their ongoing good work and support them in their personal endeavours too. David Laing (ClubSport Roxburgh and Roxburgh Sports Council) is a Scottish ClubSport Life Member who used the extra time given to him in lockdown to help him on his mission to raise money for an excellent cause – covering 7000 miles by walking and cycling for Cancer Research UK!
Read on to hear more from David and find out how he got on.
What was the challenge?: To walk and cycle as many miles as possible between my 76th and 78th birthdays
How Did You Do It?: I used a Health Tracker App and the AA Route Planner to plan and monitor my journeys. It was excellent to reach 7000 miles overall
Why Did You Do It?: I have lost a number of friends to cancer in the last two years and have many more who are under treatment, like myself. My own prostate cancer prognosis is looking good after almost 5 years and I feel this fundraising would also be a fitting tribute to Alan McLaren, my original consultant oncologist nurse at BGH, who is retiring in August.
What Was the Hardest Part?: It certainly was not a smooth journey - due to my dropped foot and lack of muscle in my right leg I had at least 22 falls. However, this considered, it is not a bad average and luckily most falls were not too serious (nothing broken or fractured - only a bit of blood!). I also picked up a few nettle stings, insect bites and thistle pricks along the way. Also, due to a combination of erroneous footwear on one single day longish walk, the big toe nail on my left foot was totally ruined and came off (only now looks like it’s starting to grow back).
How Was the Scottish Weather? The weather was very varied and I got thoroughly soaked many times! I was battered by hailstones, blowing snow and sleet on various occasions too. Managed to wear through 4 pairs of trainers but my walking shoes and wellies managed to survive.
What Was the Highlight? On my first walking effort I took over 200 photos of wildflowers (naming at least 90%) and saw beautiful scenery. I enjoyed seeing the wild, countryside birds and animals in the rivers and lochs and also the range of farm animals and birds. I also met lots of new people and continued my litter picking ‘Wombling’ duties. To top it off, I even lost a few pounds along the way!
Are you Still Collecting Donations? Yes! All donations would be much appreciated and can be given at my Justgiving Page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/David-Laing12. For anyone unable to access the link, I am also happy to accept donations via cheque or cash. Please just get in touch with me via Gary Grieve at Scottish ClubSport
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