Perth to Dundee walk results in bumper donation!

Back at the end of the spring term, Gary Thomson made a spur of the moment promise to his son – F4 pupil Alex – that on the last day of the summer term, 21st June, he would walk to Dundee from Perth to take him out for lunch.

Having whetted Alex’s appetite, Gary set about preparing himself for the near-marathon-length challenge that lay ahead, combining evening and weekend training walks as a taster for the main event.

During his final week of training, Gary decided that he’d use the challenge to try to raise some money for the proposed Arts Centre and soon he had managed to secure £560 of sponsorship from family, friends and work colleagues at Edrington-Beam Suntory. And after the firm’s charity committee said they would match what he’d raised to that point, Gary quickly had more than just his lunch appointment at stake!

Gary said, “I thought how far could it be, it only took 25 to 30 minutes in the car. But I soon realised that 37.3km (23.2 miles) was quite a long way!

“I had built up to 15km and 20km walks however this would only get me just a little more than half way. So I continued to walk and when Friday 21st arrived I set off expecting to take around 6 hours to complete the journey.

“My family and work colleagues were very supportive and sent messages of good luck as I walked.

"Progress was more brisk than I expected and I WhatsApp’ed my colleagues on approaching the outskirts of Dundee only to be challenged about whether I was cycling not walking!

“Finally with the clock a few seconds past the 5 hour mark, I made it to the gates of the school. I was delighted with the time although the competitive part of me was a little disappointed that I didn’t break the 5 hour mark - maybe next time!”

Having presented the school with a cheque for £1,121, Gary added, “The food had never tasted better as Alex and I sat down to a celebratory lunch!

“I hope that the money I raised will contribute in a small part to a fantastic resource which I’m sure will benefit the school and community for many years to come.”

To find out more about the Meadowside Arts Centre or other ways you can support the school and our young people please visit the ‘Support Us’ section of our website: https://www.highschoolofdundee.org.uk/support