Gordon plans to let his walking do the talking on world record attempt

A Dalkeith man aiming to break the world record for non-stop walking is hoping to encourage local businesses to support him on his journey.

Determined: Gordon MacIvor

Gordon MacIvor, 52, plans to cover 288 miles in 72 hours by walking 4.1 miles around Dalkeith Country Park 70 times next August.

He is now looking for a Midlothian company to back his attempt to “do something big” in his lifetime.

He said: “One of the hardest thing in life is trying to get a sponsor to back me. As there is costs involved for the various equipment I need.

“I would like to be wearing a local business name/logo on my clothing. Sponsorship of my challenge would include funding of clothing, footwear, supporting electronic devices and a donation to charity.

“If my challenge were to be successful it would give a platform to a local business on a greater media level.

“I’m getting old. I do a different challenge every year and I have raised a bit of money for charity before. I’ve been trekking in the Amazon and I have been up the Himalayas.

“I have been thinking of doing something big in my life before I get too old. As the old bones are getting shakey.

“So I saw the record and thought I would give it a go. I thought this challenge had me written all over it.

“Something that is doable for a man who lives with heart problems. I had a heart attack five years ago and only three quarters of my heart works. But I can walk and walk.

“This is probably the last challenge I will do, so I’m going to give it my all.”

He added: “The record attempt is over three days continuous. You don’t stop at all, except for the toilet. And you can stop for two minutes every so often to change footwear.

“And obviously I’m able to eat and walk at the same time, so that’s not a problem.

“It’s very much a psychological challenge rather than just a physical one. I was in the army for a few years and I know how far you can go, you just have to be very committed, and a bit of a loony!”

Gordon is a regional fundraiser for Hospices of Hope and hopes to use his world record attempt to raise money for the charity.

He said: “There are many worthwhile charities in the UK, who have all been hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. A lot of charities really do need everyone to back them just now.

“As I’m regional manager for Hospices of Hope at the moment I obviously thought it best to help them.

“One of the things they do is look after and care for terminally ill children. I have been a single dad for quite a long time and as a parent I can’t think of anything worse than having a terminally ill child, so I’m helping a very good cause.”

Any local businesses looking to support Gordon on his world record attempt next year should email: [email protected].

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