Walking the Pyrenees for special needs children

FROME Grammar School former student, Michael Burcombe, has embarked on a coast-2-coast journey, walking the length of the Pyrenees totalling 550 miles, to raise money for children with special needs. 

Michael, who now lives in the Cayman Islands and is a member of the Rotary of Grand Cayman, joins his friend Dr Derek Haines, walking from the Atlantic ocean, to the Mediterranean. They are walking to raise money for the Special Needs Foundation Cayman, in support of Derek’s brother who has been in care in England for the past 60 years. Michael and Derek left the Cayman Islands on Saturday 1st June, arriving at the start of the walk in Hendaye on Sunday 2nd June. The walk is expected to take around 50 days. 

Michael said, “It doesn’t seem that long, and it isn’t a lot of miles per day but it is all about the elevation. In total we will climb 157,000 feet, which is the equivalent to ascending and descending Everest five times. We will be completely self-sufficient on this trip too, no Sherpas or donkeys. We will be carrying equipment of up to 35lbs on our backs, including a tent to sleep in.” 

Julia Burcombe, Michael’s mother, who still lives in Frome said, “I am just so proud of Michael and I really want his friends back here in Frome to know what he is doing, helping children in the Cayman Islands. Their aim is to make one million dollars, and the last time I spoke to them, they were well on their way!”

Visit www.specialneeds foundation.ky/C2C/ for details