RUSH TO GET ROBIN ON CHARITY TREK

Jun 28 2006 Paisley Daily Express

BIG hearted Buddies from the world of sport and the small screen are helping an intrepid explorer on his way to a fundraising expedition to Peru.

From Gus MacPherson and his Championship winning Saints, to Stuart Wilson and his Paisley Pirates, they’re all doing their bit to help Robin Miller raise thousands for Cancer Research UK.

Even Doctor Who star David Tennent, of Paisley, has got in on the act to help Robin on his marathon fundraiser thousands of miles away.

Robin, 24, of Uplawmoor, is aiming to complete an arduous five-day trek across a Peruvian mountain range to reach Machu Picchu, an ancient Inca village based high in the mountains.

In the process, he hopes to raise £4,000 to help Cancer Research UK keep up its vital work in helping to find ways in which to cure the disease.

And that’s where St Mirren, the Pirates and the good Doctor come in as they’ve all given Robin some merchandise to auction so that he can reach his magical total.

Robin said: “It’s going fabulously well and I’m confident that I can reach my target.”

Other stars to step in and offer items to auction include Partick Thistle’s Stephen McConalogue, who has donated a pair of boots, while Sky News presenter Eamon Holmes has given a portrait of the late Sir Matt Busby to Robin’s cause.

Actor Bill Nighy is also lending his support to the fundraiser and he too has donated some artwork to boost the coffers.

Robin embarks on his amazing trip on September 12, and he’ll be in Peru for around 11 days, but he needs to raise a minimum amount of £3,200 before the cut-off point on Saturday before he is allowed to take part.

But he is confident that he will do just that ... with a little help from his friends, of course.

He said: “I also hope to organise a fundraising night in the 13th Note in Glasgow, where there will be music, poetry and stand-up comedy so that I can reach the magic target.”

Robin admitted that he’s looking forward to his marathon fund-raiser.

He said: “I have looked at the route that I’m taking and it’s breathtaking.

“It will be steep slopes all the way, and you can’t really prepare yourself for the altitude until it kicks in.

“There will be around 50 people doing it with me and we’ve all been helping each other in our fundraising schemes.

“Cancer Research UK have also been fabulous and they’ve given all the information I need for the trip.

“It’s unknown territory for me and I’m told it’s a really popular route.

“It’ll take a lot of perseverance, but it’s a challenge I can’t wait for.”

Robin has expressed his thanks to a number of individuals and organisations who have donated merchandise, and he’s also extended his gratitude to the contribution made by Antonia Kerr of Patrick Thistle FC, who has been instrumental in his fundraising attempt.

For more information about Robin’s charity fund-raiser log on to http://robintreksperu.Bravejournal.Com