Duo to kayak River Tweed to raise funds for veterans

For Jamie Macleod, an investment manager, the average working day invariably takes place in an office, fielding calls from clients, scouring the financial markets, and holding management meetings.

But next month, the 49-yearold Scot will swap his desk for a kayak to take part in a gruelling charity challenge on one of Scotland’s most formidable waterways.

Mr Macleod will join Lt Col Nick Woolgar, a veteran of the Queen’s Royal Lancers, to navigate the 98 mile length of the River Tweed.

Both men, who are novices on the water, hope to raise at least £30,000 and prevent hundreds of veterans from becoming homeless.

According to Mr Macleod, from Jedburgh, the prospect of taking on the might of the Tweed is as exciting as it is daunting. “My concern is river conditions,” he explained. “The Tweed can be brutal and easily rise ten feet or more in 24 hours after heavy rain. It can become dangerous after rising just two feet.”

He and Mr Woolgar, 46, will raise funds for Veterans Aid,

0 Nick Woolgar and Jamie Macleod plan to raise tens of thousands of pounds for veterans by kayaking the length of the Tweed a charity that provides immediate, practical support for exservicemen and women in crisis.

Mr Macleod, the CEO of Bordier UK, said: “This was a big decision for us. Prior to approaching Veterans Aid, we studied the charity and its management team.

“We concluded that they were a very high-quality group of professionals, doing something special in a crowded charity environment.

“They have disciplined processes; tremendous transparency and they really care about helping veterans out of difficult situations.”

Mr Woolgar, who has commanded Challenger tanks in Bosnia and led capacity-building teams in Somalia, said: “We’ve pledged to paddle the nearly 100 miles of the River Tweed, from source to mouth, by kayak to raise funds for this inspirational charity.

“Despite having no experience, we will paddle, or carry, our 14 foot kayak the full distance over six days.”

Dr Hugh Milroy, the CEO of Veterans Aid, said: “We have many supporters, and all are valued, but what Nick and Jamie have undertaken is truly astounding.

“Their target of £30,000 was set with the informed goal of funding a pathway off the streets for around 300 veterans.”