Dad heads home after blind school fees trek

A SOLDIER who walked 500 miles to raise money to send his blind daughter to a specialist school was set to return to the Capital today after a gruelling month trekking across Scotland in freezing temperatures.

Mac McGearey set out on his challenge at the end of last month to raise enough money to send his daughter Ciara, 13, to the Royal Blind School.

He was forced to raise sponsorship for Ciara's school fees after council bosses refused to pay to send her to the Blind School, despite an independent tribunal ruling that it is the best place for her.

A legal battle is under way, with city chiefs appealing the tribunal's decision by taking the case to the Court of Session, but Mr McGearey launched a fundraising drive to send his daughter to the school in the meantime.

The Evening News revealed earlier this month that Warrant Officer Class 1 McGearey had already raised enough to pay for Ciara's fees for at least the first term, despite the fact he was only half-way through his challenge.

The total amount raised is not yet known but Mr McGearey, 40, believes he will have exceeded his original 20,000 target.

He said: "People have been fantastic and I have had to factor in about an hour a day just to speak to people along the way.

"The wee one is in school now, which is great. The funds are there to keep her in school until the summer then it depends how it goes in the Court of Session."

Mr McGearey left the Capital on 30 January and was due to finish his 500-mile challenge at 12pm at Edinburgh Castle today.

He said he will be glad to get back to his family, but will miss some of the experiences he has had along the way.

He said: "I had to come across the Cairngorms myself which was cracking. The temperature was minus 14 during the day so it was a bit cold. That was one of the toughest walks and the most challenging. I was doing a lot of the stuff so I could tell Ciara all about it when I get back."

A spokeswoman for Poppyscotland said: "We are pleased to be supporting the family in getting Ciara back to school and the donations that are pouring in are a reminder that the public is behind the family's cause."

Colinton and Fairmilehead councillor Jason Rust, who has been trying to help the family, said: "I am delighted that Mac has managed to raise such a sum of money. The overwhelming support for justice for Ciara stands in stark contrast to the blinkered stance of the council."