North Berwick pupils 'climb Everest' in fundraiser for much-loved teacher diagnosed with brain tumour
Event organised by Hibs chief executive's 10-year-old son
A group of pupils from a primary school in North Berwick have 'climbed Everest' in a fundraiser for their teacher who was diagnosed with a brain tumour earlier this year.
Berwick Law Primary School teacher and volunteer firefighter James McPherson, 47, was diagnosed in January after his daughter Jamie, 26 insisted he went to hospital after suffering from painful headaches, loss of balance, memory, sight and speech.
He was diagnosed with an aggressive, stage 4 brain tumour - glioblastoma, measuring 7cm x 4cm. It is a devastating diagnosis, and without intervention the life expectancy is 12-15 months from diagnosis with standard care. Even with treatment, there is currently no cure, however the buying of time opens the door to potential future life-saving treatments.
Inspired by his teacher’s bravery, P5D pupil Jack Barnett, 10, decided to organise a climb of North Berwick Law enough times to reach the equivalent height of Mount Everest.
The climb from the parking area to the summit of the Law is 150 metres. Mount Everest stands at 8,849 metres, meaning the 38 children taking part on Friday, June 12, had to complete a combined total of 59 climbs to reach the same height. While most went up once, some climbed the landmark hill two or three times.
Jack first came up with this idea about a month ago, when he realised that his teacher needs more ongoing financial support to get the treatment he needs to extend his life. He took the idea to his classmates and did a speech at school.
Speaking after the charity climb, Jack, who is the son of Hibs chief executive Dan Barnett, said: “I'm so proud of my school mates for coming together to do this for Mr McPherson. He means so much to all of us. We wanted to show him and his family that they are not alone and that we're all here to fight this together".
Mr McPherson, who joined his pupils for two climbs of North Berwick Law, was overwhelmed by the support of his pupils.
He said: “I always knew that the pupils at Law are incredibly special to me. Each year I have taught there I have made friends for life through the pupils and their families. I believe, as a teacher, in the pupils enjoying learning and attending school because they want to, not because they have to.
“When Jack and his family approached me about this idea, I was overwhelmed and extremely grateful for their support with my treatment. They are incredible children that deserve everything good that comes their way.
“Many tears were shed when I found out about this, at the kindness of each and every pupil and their family. You are all amazing."
Speaking about how this fundraiser has helped him receive vital treatment, Mr McPherson spoke of the huge relief at receiving this support from pupils.
He said: "I am travelling to London on Monday (today) to start immunotherapy treatment that the fundraising has been helping towards. Around £90,000 has been paid towards the treatment so far.
“Nearly £55,000 of this is from donations like Jack’s so it has meant that, as a family, we may not have to remortgage properties, take out private loans etc, due the very kind people of North Berwick and beyond.
“It’s certainly a huge weight lifted off our family to give me up to 20 plus years extra to live rather than the two years that the NHS could offer."
Another pupil who took part on Friday, said: “Mr McPherson is special to his classes. He has positively shaped so many young lives with his kindness, humour and genuine belief in every child. This challenge was our way of showing him just how loved he is.
“Many of the children will remember walking with him with smiles, thanks and pride, and this climb became a powerful way for them to reflect that back to him. This challenge showed, in the clearest possible way, how deeply valued he is.
“Every climb was a message - you matter to us, and we’re with you. He’s given so much of himself to our community. His time, his energy, his kindness. This was our chance to show him just how much he means to all of us.”
Jack’s proud mum Jen said: “I'm hugely proud of Jack and his classmates for pulling together to do this for their teacher. It was so inspiring to see them all there together, with big smiles and cheering on Mr McPherson as he joined us for the climbs. It was a very special day for everyone involved."
One of the parents who oversaw the charity climb added: “Mr McPherson is at the heart of our school and community. As parents and carers we see him as one of those rare teachers who lifts everyone around him - pupils, staff and families.
“The news of his illness has been incredibly hard, but it’s also brought out the very best in our community. The overwhelming reaction has been love, support and a determination to show him what he means to us.
“You can measure a teacher’s impact by the way young people respond in difficult moments. The reaction across the community has shown just how deeply respected and loved he is, even when giving homework!"
You can donate to Jack’s fundraiser for Mr McPherson, which has so far raised £3,720, by clicking here.