Fundraising

Alan Kinvig who works for the Royal Bank of Scotland in the Isle of Man has this year raised over £1,500 for the Manx Lupus Support Group. Alan is a regular long distance walker and every year money for various charities. As Alan is 50 this year - he decided to 'celebrate' by attempting two long distance walks; the 'Parish Walk' and the '100 mile Centurion Walk'.

The Parish is an annual event, which takes place each June in the Isle of Man and covers a distance of 85 miles around the island. The 100 mile walk this year was the British National 100 Mile Championship in Colchester in August. Both these events have to be undertaken in 24 hours or less. Alan completed the Parish Walk in under 21 hours for his third successive finish but unfortunately, due to a foot injury was unsuccessful in the '100' - although he did manage over 85 miles which gave him a finisher certificate and enabled his team to gain first place.

Good back up is essential for all long distance walks. For both events Alan relied heavily upon friends and family. The Parish is difficult as it wends it's way all around the Island. The '100' in Colchester was Alan's first visit to the city and being a new event he was unsure what to expect, so he planned the event as a first week of a fortnights holiday and was able to bring along his wife Lorna and son Alex (with Alan in the photograph).

When the other 2 team members flew in with friends and family the 'Manx' contingent grew to 10. Alan's daughter Roseanne and fiance Stuart joined them on Saturday to help support through the night.

The course was just under two miles around the beautiful Lower Castle Park which meant the support team was able to 'camp' in one area and provide provisions as they passed. That being said - young Alex cycled almost 90 miles supporting the team - riding to and fro, day and night, with snacks and drinks!

The sponsorship from the Parish raised £740 with an additional £200 coming from '100'. As a member of staff, Alan has also been fortunate enough to secure additional sponsorship of £500 from the Royal Bank of Scotland's Community Cashback Award Scheme.

Alan chose to collect for the Manx Lupus Support Group as his daughter has recently been diagnosed with this debilitating disease.

Alan presented his cheque to Terrie Watterson, treasurer for the Manx Lupus Support Group at a ceremony in the Royal Bank House. £1,010 has now been forwarded to the St. Thomas' Lupus Trust.

Alan wishes to emphasise that without the remarkable support from his family, friends and workmates, he would not have been able to commit himself to these walks. He said "the sponsorship given by friends and the Royal Bank of Scotland provided the 'icing on the cake' and helps support those people less fortunate than myself".

The St. Thomas' Lupus Trust would like to say a huge thank-you to Alan for taking on this incredible feat and also to all the people that supported Alan enabling his success. We are also extremely indebted to the Manx Lupus Support Group for their kindness.

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