Market Weighton man to walk 500 miles around Scotland in memory of his mum
A Market Weighton man is embarking on an extraordinary 500-mile trek around Scotland in memory of his mum.
Setting off on Sunday, September 28, Alex Packer will begin his journey in Applecross on Scotland’s west coast – a place deeply special to his family – accompanied by his dad, Jago, who will see him off at the starting line.
From there, Alex will travel north on foot along the rugged coastline to Durness, across to John O’ Groats, then south down the east coast to Inverness, before returning to Applecross.
His walk will conclude with the climb of Britain’s highest road, the iconic Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle).
He is tackling the challenge in memory of his mum, Lisa, who sadly passed away on June 8, 2025 following a ruptured aneurysm.
The challenge, named The Lisa Packer 500, is a tribute to Lisa’s love of Scotland and the Proclaimers’ song I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – a song she once performed with such joy in a pub in Applecross that the whole crowd joined in, causing the upstairs floor to shake so much the ceiling downstairs collapsed.
“She’ll always be remembered for breaking the pub,” Alex recalls with a smile.
Alex has set up a JustGiving page and is hoping to raise £5,000. He has already accrued £1,580 thanks to the backing of 45 supporters.
Go to www.justgiving.com/page/thelisapacker500 to support Alex’s fundraising efforts.
Alex Packer said “I’m really excited to start this adventure, It’s a turning point for me – to see what I’m capable of after my surgeries – and to be doing it in honour of my mum means the world to me. She was the light in my life.
"Over the past few years, I’ve challenged myself to get stronger physically and mentally: from strength training when I was underweight, to learning to swim again as an adult despite my fear of water, running with bad hips, and solo travelling across Europe to face my social anxiety. This walk brings all of that together.
“I’m raising money for Headway UK, the brain injury charity we would have turned to if my mum had survived. Headway supports rehabilitation, therapy, family care and social integration – giving people and their loved ones a fighting chance.
"I also want to raise awareness of brain injuries and their causes – including high blood pressure. Taking a minute to check your health could save your life.”