Brian’s Great Wall Charity Effort

Bro. Brian Miller 482

In very recently joining Lodge Kirkliston Maitland 482, Brian Miller took his first steps in Freemasonry. But it was steps of a different kind when he and two friends did a marathon charity walk along the Great Wall of China to raise money for Clic Sargent.

The charity provides cancer care for children and Brian, Graham Blaikie and Brian Maynard spent 12 days in China, arriving home on September 28th. Up until now, the trio have raised around £11,500, with donations still coming in.

The idea of fund raising for Clic Sargent came about as a result of Brian Maynard’s daughter contracting leukaemia when she was just three years old. She’s now 10 and presently cancer free.    

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The two Brians and Graham on the Great Wall

Brian Miller said: “As well as being a huge challenge, it was an equally great experience and an amazing opportunity to raise cash for such a worthy cause.”

He added: “At night, we stayed with local families who lived in villages along the wall. It could be described as a bit primitive at times, but the villagers made us feel very welcome and appeared very happy.”

Brian’s friend Graham Blaikie is a member of Lodge Dalhousie Bonnyrigg 720.

And it turns out that Brian has been heavily involved in charity fundraising for quite a number of years, primarily for CCLASP (Children with Cancer and Leukaemia, Advice and Support for Parents). Events have included Golf Outings, Race Nights and ‘It’s a Knockout’ competitions.

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In his ‘everyday’ life, Brian has been self-employed for 11 years, working in the home improvement business. He previously spent six years as a sniper in the Army and has guarded – and danced with – Her Majesty the Queen while on duty at Balmoral.

Commenting on his work for charity, our R.W.M. Bro. Les Duff said:  “Making such a trip is obviously a huge undertaking and this – and his ongoing involvement with CCLASP – can only be described as a truly excellent commitment to charity fund-raising. Well done Brian and keep up the good work.”

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