Haines completes Corsica’s 200k trek
(CNS): The intrepid Derek Haines (73) completed the final stretch of the arduous 200k trek across the GR20 trail on the Mediterranean island of Corsica on Monday. Haines started the charity trek with his friend, Mike Burcombe, who had to leave the expedition halfway through due to a family matter, so the veteran endurance runner and hiker pressed on alone.
Burcombe described the trail as “brutal” after completing the northern and more difficult leg of one of the toughest hikes in the world.
Haines spent the last few days climbing in soaring heat, occasionally wandering off track without his towering 6″4′ partner to help navigate, and with boots that were falling apart. But he finished in good health, despite whinging knees and feet that felt as if they had been prepared like cracked conch.
Pushing their bodies to the physical limits, the pair took on the trek to raise money for the local charity Jubilate, an after-school programme with an emphasis on music. Supporters are urging people to pledge what they can and support Haines’ massive efforts.
“It will take quite some time for Derek and Mike to nurse their bodies back to good health and comfort,” supporters said.
You can pledge a donation at here.
No donation is too small, and every dollar will support children through Jubilate.
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Category: Community, Local News
Derek is an absolute super hero. Well done indeed
OBE for DH!!! His efforts and raising awareness in our community fit all the criteria for an OBE.
Thank you Derek & Mike and congratulations on completing this challenge…unthinkable to most of us! There are no words to properly express how much your sacrifice and willingness to push your bodies to physical limits means to Jubilate. What a way to support our youth and show your commitment to bettering Cayman.
Cayman, please help make Derek & Mike’s efforts worthwhile by completing a Donation Pledge Card at jubilate.ky/donate and making your donation to the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman.
He’s a legend! Thank you for all you do for the community Derek! When I grow up I can only hope to be like him.
Well done Derek and Mike! An amazing effort for Jubilaté, https://www.jubilate.ky/, an excellent charity doing an amazing job with our kids.
You may have left some DNA on the mountainsides of Corsica, but you have left far more of an impact on those kids’ lives.
I am proud to know you.
Mike didn’t finish. Does this mean I get half of my donation back?
His house was burgled few years ago. Were the perpetrators caught and stolen items returned?
Nothing is sacred for Cayman criminals, who, I believe, are organised.
Don’t know the guy but can’t help but admire that he consistently does these arduous feats for such a variety of charities and worthwhile causes. I’ve been reading of these tough challenges he puts himself thru, for what seems at least the past 20 years, in the local papers and now online. He at least at face value seems to be doing it with pure heart and without any self serving desires or business/political aspirations etc.
I do say… well done on these efforts Mr. Haines… your actions have surely benefitting thousands of lives over time and frankly made these islands of ours, a better place for many, and likely all of us. Thank you Sir !
I used to honk my horn when I see him on the road running or yell “Go Derek” as he passed me running on the road. I no longer do that as I felt like a stalker but I still smile and send positive thoughts whenever I see him.
Congrats Derek Haines. Hope I’m as fit as you at 73, if I make it! Thanks for your continued charity work.
PS, RCIPS needs you back!
Amazing man!
I think it’s about time that guy was knighted.
This is what heroes look like. Well done, Mr. Haines.