Stonehouse walkers’ grand charity effort

Jul 9 2009 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

A STONEHOUSE man and three friends have walked the West Highland Way to raise cash for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

John McLaren (42) and friends Andrew Shanks (35), John Plenderleith (35) and Tommy Halpin (24) walked around 20 miles per day over five days.

John said: “Last year we decided to do it, after a number of years of talking about it, and booked a variety of accommodation along the 97-mile route from Milngavie to Fort William.

“To make it a greater challenge, we decided to go one step further and attempt the walk in just five days.”

Due to the different ages and fitness levels, some of the four friends had a bit more training to do to get fit for the event.

Along the route they encountered many different people and at the end of each day shared in their experiences and had a great laugh and a bit of banter along the way.

Mr McLaren added: “On the second day, we came across two paratroopers who had to retire from their charity walk as their feet were so sore.

“The lads said that they were unable to keep up with the fab four’s pace.”

Day four consisted of a 12-mile hike then after lunch at the Kingshouse Hotel they had a further nine miles to climb over the ‘Devil’s Staircase’ and down to Kinlochleven. The boys said that they all slept well that night.

They arrived in Fort William on the fifth day, with another friend eagerly awaiting their arrival to congratulate them.

The boys all enjoyed a few well-deserved refreshments in the local hostelries.

John added: “As you can imagine, there was a bit of fun and a lot of wind-ups going on among us. It kept everyone’s spirits high.

“In total we raised £1146.45 for the Marie Curie Cancer Care nurses, who now care for around 50 per cent of all cancer patients who die at home.”

Patients are cared for in their own homes by the nurses. Marie Curie nursing is always free of charge.

Tommy Halpin thanked everyone who had supported them and added: “We intend to continue fundraising and are hoping to be able to complete the 73-mile Great Glen Way, from Fort William to Inverness.”