Alexander Leach, Editor
BEACHBURG – On August 24th, Russel Mackay will walk from his home in Beachburg to CHEO, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, in Ottawa.
The 82-year-old Mackay says he is three-quarters blind and diabetic. He described his vision as “seeing through a car window covered in dew”.
He will leave from the Beachburg Public School, with plans to arrive in Ottawa on the 3rd of September.
Mackay, known as ‘Papa’ to the Beachburg community, will have his two daughters with him in an recreational vehicle to accommodate and support.
“I’m walking about 8 miles a day” Mackay said, saying he walks every day in preparation, and knows the distances he’ll be traveling. “I don’t do at all at once. I start in the morning, for an hour and 15 minutes, 2 miles and a quarter.”
“I’m in pretty good shape. I eat good, I don’t smoke and don’t drink. I go walk maybe four times a day.”
Mackay said he was inspired to walk when he told the Hospital he planned to leave them money when he died.
“They told me ‘why not do something while you’re alive?’” he said.
Mackay has strong feelings and affection for the hospital, and what it does to ensure the quality of life for children.
“I have some grandchildren of my own, I get very emotional when I go through (CHEO). That’s what I’m doing it for.”
He said that the total distance was approximately 125 km.
His plan is to take less-traveled routes. With the RV for rest, though he will be returning home the first few nights before driving out to pick up where he left off.
He said he was encouraging his daughter and grandkids to come out and practice with him.
“I keep tellin’ them they got to come out, we only have a couple more days. They gotta get their legs in shape.”
A farmer for 42 years in Westmeath, Mackay is confident in his health for the walk, though he is taking precautions.
“Their’ll be an undertaker behind me.” he joked.
Mackay’s daughter, Shelley, confirmed that they had raised $14,420 as of the time of the interview.
Mackay wished to thank Michelle Almond, from the Pronto in Beachburg (the Milano pizza) and her staff for sponsoring him, saying they had “gone above and beyond.”
“We started with $5000, and then went from there.” Mackay said, hoping that people would be generous in their donations.
He cited the goal as $25,000 by the 24th.
