Headteacher Raises Over £6300 In Aid Of The Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity
- News Release
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Mark Becher, Headmaster of The Compass School in Haddington, has just completed a formidable coast-to-coast walking challenge across Scotland and, in so doing, has so far raised over £6300 for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.
Mark began his journey in the town of Ayr (where he was born and grew up) last Sunday (24 May) and in the days that followed, travelled across the country to the school where he has spent almost half his life, The Compass in Haddington, arriving there last Thursday afternoon to an incredible welcome from children, staff and parents. In addition, all of the School’s Primary 7 children walked the final 3 miles with him, from Gladsmuir to the school.
Mark was joined in this cross-Scotland challenge by his colleague, Colin Pryde, the chanter and piping instructor at The Compass School, and together they estimate they covered about 110 miles, walking roughly 20-28 miles a day.
Whilst the pair enjoyed sunny weather throughout the walk, the heat did take its toll, with blisters making Mark’s journey to Haddington even more challenging than expected!
Mark says: “Having celebrated a milestone birthday this year, I had wanted to kick off a new decade in my life by giving myself a considerable physical challenge to undertake, at the same time as raising funds for a charity which does such amazing work every day of the year, the Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity.
The journey itself proved to be both challenging and emotional. It was great to see Scotland at its best with the sun shining and with the wind at our back for the most part. However, with me developing blisters on my feet on Day 2 due to the heat, the journey proved to be even more arduous than expected.
Nevertheless, the support we received both online via donations and words of encouragement and enroute, from passers-by and many vehicles of different sizes who sounded their horns as they passed by, meant that there was no way that we would not finish this challenge and the amazing and emotional welcome we received as we returned to school last Thursday made every painful step worthwhile.
I am so grateful to all who have so generously contributed to my fundraising appeal, with donations given well-surpassing my original target of £2500. I know from ECHC that this will be help them greatly in their important work with children and their families visiting the hospital throughout the year and I can’t thank enough all those who have supported me along the way which has meant so much to me and allowed me to fulfil my aim of completing this challenge.”
Mark’s fundraising page remains open for donations which can be found at:
