Lochee man takes on 20-mile fundraising hike

A LOCHEE man will walk from Dundee to Perth this Saturday in order to raise money for charity.

Bernard McGovern, 32, who works as a sandwich delivery man, started walking as a hobby following a health scare this year. Doctors told Bernard that he had to lose weight, so he began taking long walks in order to burn calories in a less strenuous way.

The 32-year-old said: “I’m more of a walker than a runner really. I’d rather walk 10 miles than run one.”

The delivery man usually spends his weekends walking, however this mammoth trek will double his personal record for distance. He said: “I only ever go about 10 miles on my walks, and it looks like this one will be about 20 or 21.

“I think it’s going to take around six, maybe seven, hours. I’m going to wake up early and set off around 4am, hopefully get into Perth for 11am.”

The money raised by the walk will be split evenly between Cancer Research and the Scottish Association for Mental Health. Both of these charities are close to Bernard’s heart, as his aunt, Sarah Brimer, 68, was diagnosed with terminal cancer earlier this year.

The walker told the Tele: “My aunt was diagnosed with terminal cancer and it’s been tough for the family. I thought that I would try to raise money for Cancer Research.

“I’ve had a pretty rough few months, so I also thought it would be good to raise a bit of money for a mental health charity.

“I also know a lot of people who are struggling with mental health, so helping them out would be great.

“While mental health is getting more attention, I think it still needs a little more focus on it.”

The plan is very spur of the moment, with the delivery driver only deciding to take the hike this week. He said: “I do a lot of walking, so I though why not go the extra distance, and do it for charity.”

Bernard has set a goal of £250, but would be thrilled to raise more, saying: “I just set a little goal because it’s so close to Christmas.

“People are buying presents and spending money already this season, it’s hardly the ideal time to donate to a charity.

“If I reach my goal then I’ll add on £250 myself.”

The walking enthusiast also plans to document his trip on Instagram.

Readers can donate to Bernard’s walk by going to gofundme.com/f/ dundee-to-perth-walk.

Bernard is aiming to raise £250.