Rory knew he could count on Grandad       

By Steven Bowron Rory Watt, an 11-year-old pupil at Philiphaugh Community School in Selkirk, was leafing through his mum, Lee’s, Sunday Post when our CHAS page caught his eye. Quick as a flash, he decided to do something to help — and he knew what it’d be. He’d walk the famous 95-mile West Highland Way from Milngavie to Fort William. It would be a tall order for any adolescent lad, especially one who suffers from attention deficit hyperactive disorder. But Rory knew he’d have an ally. He’d be able to count on his trusty 71-year-old grandad, George Willison, to be there every step of the way.

Rory with his well-travelled boots and CHAS T-shirt.

Joys The pair have tackled many walks and climbs. Rory was only six when he discovered the joys of hiking and he’s done Ben Nevis, Lochnagar and hills in the Lake District, while George has been a walker all his life. Originally they were raring to do it in the half-term holidays in October, but had to concede they wouldn’t be able to get everything organised by then and decided to postpone until Easter. By the start of this month they had £400 sponsorship, and George had even got some training in before they were due to set off on the 4th for the eight-day trip. Rory came equipped. Not only did he have hiking boots, walking-stick and backpack, he was proudly sporting the CHAS T-shirt his Nan picked up for him at a Rachel House open day. It had an electrifying effect on fellow users of the West Highland Way and people they met in hostelries en route. As soon as it registered that Rory and George were walking for CHAS, people started handing over money for the cause. By the end of week they had collected another £55. Rory loved every minute of it, covering between nine and 14 miles a day, stopping at places like the famous Drover’s Inn at Inverarnan. Worst “The best bit was alongside Loch Lomond at Rowardennan and seeing some feral goats,” says Rory. “I also enjoyed staying at the Drover’s Inn and seeing all the stuffed animals!” But he’s pretty forthcoming about the WORST aspects of the walk, too. “My grandad would be saying that the end would be just around this corner or that corner. Then I’d find another massive long stretch of road!” All told, Rory and George’s efforts have netted more than £500 but they’re not resting on their laurels. They’re thinking about doing the 62-mile St Cuthbert’s Way between Melrose and Holy Island. Mum Lee says, “We’re all proud of Rory. It’s been his first really big undertaking and he rose to the challenge.” Next story

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