Politicians pull on walking boots again

Borders MP Michael Moore and council leader David Parker are to walk 97 miles alongside the Tweed, from source to mouth, for charity.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Jul 2014, 09:24 BST
L-r, David Parker (Scottish Borders Council Leader) and Michael Moore MP are embarking on a ninety seven mile sponsored walk entitiled the 'Great Tweed Trek' which see them walk from Tweedsmuir to Berwick-upon-Tweed.L-r, David Parker (Scottish Borders Council Leader) and Michael Moore MP are embarking on a ninety seven mile sponsored walk entitiled the 'Great Tweed Trek' which see them walk from Tweedsmuir to Berwick-upon-Tweed.
L-r, David Parker (Scottish Borders Council Leader) and Michael Moore MP are embarking on a ninety seven mile sponsored walk entitiled the 'Great Tweed Trek' which see them walk from Tweedsmuir to Berwick-upon-Tweed.

The ‘Great Tweed Trek’ will take them from Tweedsmuir to Berwick-upon-Tweed, with Radio Borders Cash for Kids and Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team benefitting from their efforts.

The pair walked the Four Abbeys Way in 2009, raising over £12,000 for the Special Care Baby Unit at the BGH.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This year’s challenge is 97-miles in total and will take six days, starting on August 25, but they have not set a fundraising target for it.

L-r, David Parker (Scottish Borders Council Leader) and Michael Moore MP are embarking on a ninety seven mile sponsored walk entitiled the 'Great Tweed Trek' which see them walk from Tweedsmuir to Berwick-upon-Tweed.L-r, David Parker (Scottish Borders Council Leader) and Michael Moore MP are embarking on a ninety seven mile sponsored walk entitiled the 'Great Tweed Trek' which see them walk from Tweedsmuir to Berwick-upon-Tweed.
L-r, David Parker (Scottish Borders Council Leader) and Michael Moore MP are embarking on a ninety seven mile sponsored walk entitiled the 'Great Tweed Trek' which see them walk from Tweedsmuir to Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Mr Parker said: “We are very reluctant to set a target as you never know how things are going to go, but what we do know is that the Borders public were incredibly generous the last time they supported us and we raised a very significant amount, which exceeded our expectations, for the Special Care Baby Unit.

“If we get the same level of support again then I think we will do rather well.”

Commenting on the challenge of walking the length of the Tweed, Mr Moore said: “It was always our intention to do a second walk after the enjoyment of our first venture.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It has taken some time to get our diaries co-ordinated, to allow us time and space to train and do the walk, but we are very excited at the prospect of raising funds for Radio Borders Cash for Kids and the Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team.

“We are now in serious training and very much looking forward to winding our way down the Tweed from Scotland into England over the six days.”

The Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team provided help and support to the pair when they undertook their first walk, and have helped plan their latest challenge.

The team’s Dave Cawthorn said: “We are very much looking forward to playing an active part in the walk and are delighted that some of the proceeds will go to help support the vital work of the team in the Borders.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The pair of local politicians will welcome anyone who wishes to join them on the walk, or on small section of it.

To donate, visit https://greattweedtrek.everydayhero.com/uk/great-tweed-trek and for more details visit ‘Great Tweed Trek’ on Facebook.

Related topics:David ParkerPoliticiansBordersBerwick-upon-Tweed