Gavin puts best foot forward for charity
JONATHAN GEDDES
A Halfway man is hoping that locals will walk this way with him for a good cause.
Gavin Sinclair is a fundraising manager with the Who Cares? Scotland charity, which aims to help disadvantaged youths.
The 45-year-old had planned to take part in the popular Kiltwalk event to earn some cash for the organisation, only for plans to be scuppered by the coronavirus.
However, organisers of the annual charity stroll have called on participants to take part in a virtual version instead, which led Gavin to hit upon the idea of going around his local area.
On Saturday, he will leave his Halfway home, resplendent in his kilt and with a bucket for donations, and march to the far end of Rutherglen Main Street.
The trip is around seven miles, and Gavin is planning on completing it four times for a 28 mile total - longer than any of his previous walks.
He said: “I’ve done different Kiltwalks for three years now, and this would have been my 11th.
“It’s always a good way of supporting the charity but obviously there’s no way the kiltwalks could go ahead this summer.
“That’s a big issue for charities - we normally get thousands of pounds from events like that.
“Sir Tom Hunter (the Kiltwalk’s founder) has come up with the virtual idea instead, which is taking the place of the walk that had been planned for Dundee in July.
“I thought going for a good local walk would work well.”
Gavin is hoping that other residents will join him, with his pal Alan O’Donnell already on board for part of the journey.
He explained: “There’s usually hundreds in the team, so there’s a companionship and camaraderie along the whole walk.
“That’s obviously the big difference here; I’ll be on my own for a lot of it, so it’d be good if anyone wants to get involved.”
The most important thing for Gavin will be raising funds for Who Cares? Scotland and he feels the past few months have shown the importance of the charity.
He added: “During the peak of covid-19 there was a lot of talk about relying on family networks, but a lot of the young people we work with simply don’t have that option available to them.
“We offer emotional and financial support and it can make a big difference.”
To donate to Gavin’s cause visit www.dundeekiltwalk2020. everydayhero.com/uk/gavin or look out for him on Saturday.