Linlithgow Masons are gearing up for a major fundraising drive.

They have organised a sponsored walk from the Bridge Inn, Ratho to the Village Inn, Linlithgow Bridge, for tomorrow (Saturday).

Around 25 Masons, and friends and family of the late David Cochrane, will raise money for Cardiac Research in the Young (CRY).

David (22), of Whitecross, died in April last year of a previously unsuspected heart disease.  He had just been excepted, for an officer training course by the Royal Navy and a glittering career was forecast for them.  He was also expected to rise swiftly through the ranks of Lodge Hopetoun St. John.

Lodge members, friends and family last year raised £2200 for CRY and hope to beat, that figure this time around.

He bowls tournament has been arranged at Linlithgow Bowling Club on May 26, with a fundraising auction in the Bridge in that evening.

Tragedy

Ray Newtown of Lodge Hopetoun St. John said: "David's death was a tragedy for everyone who knew him, because he was just starting to make his mark on life, and his future was so promising."

Ray added: "last year, we were able to raise £2200. In his memory, and we are hoping to talk that figure this year

Linlithgow Journal and the Gazette, Friday, the 11th of May 2007

David's memory lives on

Linlithgow Freemasons will hope to bust the £2000 barrier with their latest fundraising drive.

Lodge Hopetoun St. John, No.1232 [Linliothgow] is raising cash for the charity cardiac risk in the young (CRY).  Following the tragic death of one of its members.

David Cochrane was just 22, when he died very suddenly from a previously unsuspected heart condition.

Last year at the Lodge raised £2200 through a number of fund raisers, which it then presented to CRY and, on Saturday, [12th May 2007], nearly 30 walkers, including Freemasons, friends and members of David's family, took part in a sponsored walk between the two village inns.

Starting at the Bridge Inn, Ratho, they walked 17 and a half miles to the Bridge Inn at Linlithgow Bridge.

One of their number Dougie Couper, actually ran the distance in just under two hours!

Lodge Hopetoun St. John, would like to thank Willie Kenny's taxis for transport to Ratho, Brendan and Irene for the sandwiches, Linlithgow Union Canal Society for the "floating canteen" and also to cooks Jackie and Dinger.

Thanks are also given to mine hosts and staff at both village inns.  Ray Newton, Secretary of Lodge Hopetoun St. John said: "whilst the final amount is not yet hand, it looks certain that last year's total of £2200 will be beaten

Allan Scott, Linlithgow Journal & Gazette, Friday 18th May 2007.

£7k raised for heart group

A Freemasons' fund-raising drive raised a staggering £7000 for the Cardiac Research in the Young (CRY).  charity.

Lodge Hopetoun St. John, No.1232, based in Linlithgow, donated the cash in memory of David Cochrane, a young member from Whitecross, who died suddenly of an unsuspected heart condition.  The money was raised by a sponsored walk between the Bridge Inn, Ratho and the Bridge Inn, Linlithgow Bridge.  More came from a disco and auction at the Bridge Inn, and a bowling tournament at Linlithgow Bowling Club.

CRY representative Shiela Green received at the bumper cheque on behalf of the charity.  Ray Newton, of Lodge Hopetoun St. John, No.1232, said: "we are a very small Lodge.  But I remember is always have the needs of others in their minds, and we are absolutely delighted that the response we received to this fund raising effort.

"On behalf of the Lodge, I would like to thank members who supported the event and the family and friends of David Cochrane, who was also gave us tremendous support.

"We are also grateful to Linlithgow Bowling Club, Linlithgow Union Canal Society and the management, staff and patrons of the Bridge Inn, Linlithgow Bridge"

Allan Scott, Linlithgow Journal & Gazette, Friday 13th July 2007.