Published on 28 May 2025
2 minutes read
Edinburgh elder Graeme Allan is once again breaking out his walking shoes in support of some of Scotland’s youngest cancer patients in what is now an annual tradition.
Graeme Allan is doing a railway themed sponsored walk in aid of Young Lives vs Cancer.
This is the third successive year that Mr Allan, a Church of Scotland reader in training and an elder at Corstorphine Old Parish Church, has taken on a walking challenge to raise funds for Young Lives vs Cancer, a charity he has supported since his own school days.
His first walk took him 15 miles from Cockenzie and Port Seton Old Parish Church to Craigsbank Parish Church via his home church, but this year’s trek on Sunday 8 June will have a railway theme.
“This year I am walking 12 miles, from Waverley Train Station in Edinburgh, to Dalmeny Station, via Edinburgh Haymarket, Edinburgh South Gyle and Edinburgh Gateway Stations as well,” the 43-year old divinity graduate revealed.
“I continue to fundraise as an ongoing tribute to Dr John Murray, who passed away in April 2021. He was a teacher who led a carol singing choir called the KT’s when I was at the Royal High School in Edinburgh. We raised money for Young Lives vs Cancer (Malcom Sergeant as it was then) and he was very much a father-type figure for many of us.”
The choir was inspired to raise money for the charity in memory of a pupil who sadly died after being diagnosed with leukaemia.
Mr Allan also organised a music concert to support Young Lives vs Cancer in tribute to Dr Murray following his former teacher’s death.
Young Lives vs Cancer supports children and young people up to 25-years of age who are facing cancer and their families.
Its dedicated social workers offer specialist support, while its Homes from Home initiative offers families a free place to stay close to the hospital where their child is receiving treatment. The charity also provides grants to help families with the costs incurred while their child undergoes cancer treatment.
Mr Allan, whose day job with Bright Bus Tours in Edinburgh is more closely connected to buses than trains, says he will be delighted if he can get to £500 for this year’s walk, having already achieved his initial target of £300.
To sponsor Graeme Allan at his JustGiving page here.
Find out more about Young Lives vs Cancer.