Some people, in their retirement years, understandably sit back, relax and take it easy.
However, Derek Haines, 73, and Mike ‘Burco’ Burcombe, 66, do not fall into that category in any way. Determined to test the very limits of their joints, the pair will be tackling the Grande Randonnée (GR) 20 trek, which crosses the Mediterranean island of Corsica, in June this year.
This isn’t even their first ‘extreme’ expedition. In 2019, they thought they’d just have a little jaunt along the Pyrenees… 955 kilometres over terrain that took them up and down through multiple elevations, totalling about 157,000 feet. That was a 53-day journey from Hendaye on the French Atlantic border with Spain to Banyuls-sur-Mer on the French Mediterranean border.
What would motivate the two men to take on these challenges? Well, beyond the fact that both have been climbers and runners for many years, they also saw the opportunity to raise money for charity. The Pyrenees trip was incredibly successful, raising over US$1 million for Inclusion Cayman (formerly Special Needs Foundation Cayman). No surprise, therefore, that the duo was inspired to look for another opportunity to help a worthy cause, and they have found it.
Their Grande Randonnée footpath challenge will be in support of Jubilate, a non-profit programme in Cayman created to teach less-advantaged children life skills through music.
The 200km (125-mile) GR20 trail follows the granite backbone of mountains that divide the island of Corsica in two, many of which soar above 2,000 metres (6,500 feet) altitude. With its dramatic gorges and rocky hillsides, this legendary trail is popular with advanced hikers. The sun-drenched path crosses the entire island from north to south. The GR20 is billed as the best and toughest long-distance hike out there.
No stranger to gruelling quests, Haines said, “This is an exciting challenge that will push us to the limits, but I am sure that we are up to it. This represents another huge fundraiser, but the generosity of the Cayman community has shone through year after year, and I am incredibly grateful for the continued support.”
Burcombe added, “The pandemic stalled us from attempting this challenge for the last couple of years, but it has given us extra time to train. I am hoping that folks will show their support by donating to Jubilate.”
Governor Martyn Roper has agreed to be the patron of the challenge, as he was for the Pyrenees event. He and his wife, Elisabeth Roper, hosted a reception at Government House on 23 March to officially celebrate Haines and Burcombe, and Jubilate. In his remarks on the evening, the governor dubbed Haines the “James Bond of philanthropic efforts in Cayman”, recognising his considerable contributions to charity work over the years, including running six marathons in 2014 to raise funds for Jasmine.
About Jubilate
Established in 2016, Jubilate focusses on children from the public schools in the eastern districts. It seeks to nurture and empower children with confidence and skill by encouraging personal excellence in academics and education in music, and currently serves over 70 children, aged 8-15, from eight public schools. Jubilate was born out of a desire to ensure that all children, irrespective of their backgrounds, were offered opportunities to develop their talents, confidence and strong values. It is founder and chairperson Carole Kirkconnell’s firm belief that the entire Cayman community will benefit from the well-rounded, driven, respectful and inspired Jubilate children as they grow up and contribute to society.
Guests at the Government House reception had the opportunity to observe some of these future leaders, as the senior students of the Jubilate Orchestra, Clifton Hunter High School, provided beautiful music throughout the evening.
Jubilate’s board of directors thanked Haines and Burcombe for identifying their non-profit as the benefiting charity of the upcoming trek. The funds and awareness raised will help solidify Jubilate’s ongoing transition from a small after-school programme to a sustainable, well-governed organisation that can impact many of Cayman’s youth for years to come.
All travel costs and registration fees will be self-funded by Haines and Burcombe, and every dollar raised will go directly into supporting Jubilate, with no administration or overhead costs. As with previous charity appeals, the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman will ‘ring fence’ the funds raised.
| To learn more more about Jubilate and the 2022 GR challenge, visit jubilate.ky. Donations can be made to the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman through Royal Bank account no. 069751092071. Visit jubilate.ky/corsicantrek for details.
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