CHARITY WALKER TAKES ON 212-MILE CHALLENGE

Jenny Foulds • Published 21 Jul 2009 08:00 0 Comments

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THERE are two things that Jim McLachlan has done for most of his life - charity and hill walking.

And he is due to celebrate his 67th birthday with something a little different - a gruelling hike of more than 200 miles.

But the Dumbarton pensioner claims he is looking forward to the challenge, not only because it will help raise money for Robin House in Balloch, but also because he still enjoys testing himself.

He is now in training to take on the Southern Upland Way on August 24, which is 212 miles and features several difficult heights and slopes.

The Reporter spoke to Jim about his latest charity trek.

"I HAVE always loved walking - everywhere I go I walk, and I like that.

"Last year, I was thinking about doing the West Highland Way, and two of my mates in the pub turned to me and said they'd give me £200 if I did it.

"So that's how it started, and I ended up doing it in five days - to be honest it was really quite easy.

"And me and my wife Mary joined the Helensburgh Ramblers last year, which has been great, although she doesn't go quite as far as me with the walks.

"I'll be doing the Southern Upland Way alone, but I like my own company - it's also a break from the wife for a fortnight.

"Although when you're out walking you do meet a lot of other people, and sometimes, if you're feeling a bit down or tired, meeting up with a few good walkers can really lift your spirits.

"The scouts were the first people who taught me to walk, and since I was young I've enjoyed walking in the hills amid the beautiful scenery with my wife and three kids - Martin, Helen and Fiona.

"It's almost like it is in our blood, Helen was the president of the mountaineering club when she was at Stirling University a few years ago.

"Along with walking, I have always been involved in charity stuff, so it's good to combine the two.

"I was first of all involved with the St Vincent De Paul society at St Peter's Church in Bellsmyre.

"For fourteen years I was the treasurer of it, and before that I was the president.

"I was involved in all sorts of charity drives with it.

"And then, I was the manager of Home from Home in Broadmeadow Industrial Estate.

"I was the first manager of it, and I remember at the time we had one van and three other volunteers.

"When I gave it up three years ago, having worked there for nine-and-a-half years, we had three vans and our own base.

"It was great working for them, especially because I like people, I like working with people and I can get on well with them.

"I suppose it's the same with walking, you need to be able to get on with the folk you're doing it with.

"In preparation for the Southern Upland Way, I've been walking a lot every week.

"I take a few walks around about twenty miles every week, and I am now just looking forward to getting on with it.

"My kids' interest in walking has dwindled a bit, but I guess I'm just the only one who is daft enough to keep it going."

To sponsor Jim, you can do so online at www.justgiving.com/jimmclachlan or by calling 01389 765734.

This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 21 Jul 09

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