2022 CORSICAN TREK
ABOUT THE TREK
Following on from their trek along the Pyrenees in 2019, veteran climbers and runners Derek Haines, 73, and 66-year-old Mike (Burco) Burcombe will be tackling the Grande Randonnée (GR) 20 trek, which crosses the Mediterranean island of Corsica, in June 2022.
Their 2019 trek helped to raise over One Million U.S. dollars for Inclusion Cayman (then the Special Needs Foundation), and Derek and Mike, together with the support of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman, will be raising funds this time for Jubilate.
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 2000m (6500 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!
Derek 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 fund-raiser, but the generosity of the Cayman community has shone through year after year, and I am incredibly grateful for the continued support.”
OPENING RECEPTION
His Excellency the Governor, Martyn Roper O.B.E., is fully supportive, and again has agreed to be the Patron of the challenge. His Excellency and Mrs. Roper hosted a Reception at the Government House on the 23 March in support of the upcoming trek and Jubilate.
In his remarks on the evening, His Excellency dubbed Mr. Haines the “James Bond of philanthropic efforts in Cayman”, recognising his considerable contributions to charity work over the years, including running 6 marathons in 2014 to raise funds for Jasmine.
His Excellency commended Haines & Burcombe on their upcoming arduous trek - known as the most difficult long-distance trek in Europe - in support of an NPO he has come to know well in recent years.
Jubilate students were recognised on the evening as the future leaders of Cayman. Guests had the opportunity to observe some of these future leaders, as the Senior students of the Jubilate Orchestra, of Clifton Hunter High School, provided beautiful music throughout the evening.
DONATING TO THE CAUSE
All travel costs and registration fees will be self-funded by Derek and Mike, and every dollar raised will go directly into supporting Jubilate with no administration or overhead costs. As with previous charity appeals, the Rotary Club will ‘ring fence’ the funds raised.
Mike said, “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.”
The Jubilate Board of Directors thanks Derek and Mike for identifying Jubilate as the benefiting charity of their upcoming Corsican Trek. The funds and awareness raised will help solidify Jubilate’s ongoing transition from a small after-school programme to a sustainable, well-governed non-profit organisation that can impact so many of Cayman’s youth in greatest need for years to come.
Donations to Derek & Mike’s trek can be made to the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman.
