Inspired by a 13-year-old diagnosed with a life-limiting condition, a Bo’ness man will take on an 81-mile hike to raise funds and awareness for a Scottish charity.
Proving age is just a number, David Levin, who resides in Bield Housing and Care’s Dean Court development, will try to walk 81 miles to raise vital funds for Calum’s Cabin.
13-year-old Chiara Fox is the granddaughter of David’s golfing buddy, Harry Petersen, and she was diagnosed with a rare life-limiting condition as a baby. David hopes that taking part in this monumental challenge will help raise awareness for both the support Calum’s Cabin provides as well as Chiara’s condition.
David will set off from his development in Bo’ness on his 81st birthday and will aim to complete the challenge over ten days with the support of Bield staff and tenants, local communities, and Chiara’s family. Scottish football hero, and now GP, Kenny Deuchar, also known as Dr Goals, will also join David along the route.
David said: “I am honoured to walk under Chiara’s banner and raise money for Calum’s Cabin where families can spend quality time together making irreplaceable memories.
“I am hoping to complete the route in 10 days, and am looking forward to hearing the stories of those joining me along the way. It’s talkie as much as walkie.”
Hailing from Merseyside, David moved to Bo’ness in 2019 and is an avid golfer and lifelong sportsman.
He added: “It is a challenge because, like many my age, I have a few health problems, but nothing like young Chiara faces. I couldn’t ask for greater motivation. When Harry asked me, there could only be one response.”
David will set off from his home in Bo’ness and stay in Bield developments throughout the central belt.
Calum’s Cabin, founded by Caroline Spiers in 2007, provides free holiday accommodation for children with cancer and their families in beautiful natural settings on the Isle of Bute and in Ayrshire.
Caroline commented: “Many families who have children with cancer are required to travel from all over Scotland to Glasgow’s primary treatment centres for specialist care. The mounting cost of travel and accommodation is often a huge burden for families, adding even more stress and worry to their lives.
“We are honoured David has chosen to walk for Calum’s Cabin, we wish him all the best and look forward for joining him for a couple of miles too.”
Chiara was diagnosed with the rare condition MPS1 H (Hurlers) at eight months old and has undergone extensive medical procedures including two bone marrow transplants, bilateral hip reconstruction, and spinal fusion surgery. Despite her challenges, Chiara continues to inspire those around her with her strength and positivity.
Chiara’s mum, Michelle Peterson, added: “Chiara inspires everyone she meets, and we’re delighted David is taking on this challenge to raise funds for Calum’s Cabin.
“We’ve stayed at Calum’s Cabin a few times now, we’ve made so many memories that will last a lifetime, and we hope many more families for years to come get to enjoy a break too.”
Donations will help provide respite for Chiara and other children with serious illnesses at Calum’s Cabin. David also hopes the walk will raise awareness for MPS1 H and the impact it has on families.
Tracey Howatt, Bield’s Director of Customer Experience, said: “We are constantly amazed by our tenants’ commitment to supporting charitable causes.
“We’re proud to support David on his challenge, and staff look forward to walking with him along the way.”
Bield staff have supported David’s project to date by helping to create a manageable route along the John Muir Way. They will also host David at Bield properties each night to ensure he is well rested for each leg of his challenge.
Bield is dedicated to providing flexible and high-quality housing solutions and support for older people.
To donate and find out more, visit: https://bit.ly/just-giving-walkie-talkie
