About Us & The Charity

Mark & Diesel

Who we are

We currently reside in the Scottish Borders. I served as the Deputy President of the Open University Students' Association until July 2024 and is now the Vice President of Student Welfare in the 2024-26 Student Leadership Team. I am also a member of the Open University Students Educational Trust's Board of Trustees. I strongly believe in leading by example and wouldn’t ask others to do something he wouldn’t do himself — including fundraising efforts.

Diesel is an 8 year old Lurcher and enjoys travelling as well as local walkies.

The Challenge

Diesel (my loyal dog) and I are setting out on an exciting challenge – to complete the 874-mile journey from Land's End to John O' Groats, but virtually! While we won’t physically walk across the UK, we will be covering every single mile in our local area and beyond.

We anticipate this challenge will take between 150 and 160 days, aiming to finish in 155 days by geenerally walking seven days a week (although some days will have reduced distance due to prior commitments). However, whether it takes a bit more or less time, we're committed to completing it, one step at a time. We'll be walking more than our usual daily routine, and while Diesel will join me for most of the distance, I may need to complete some parts on my own to achieve our goal. Our reduced distance days will include 12th,13th, 14th, 15th and 16th September.

We’re raising funds for OUSET (The Open University Students Educational Trust), a cause that is close to my heart as I proudly serve on the Board of Trustees. Your support will go directly toward helping OU students who need it most.

Every donation counts and will help make a difference. Follow along as Diesel and I embark on this journey, and please consider donating to this fantastic cause!

The Charity

Open University Students Educational Trust (OUSET)

We're raising awareness and funds for The Open University Students Educational Trust, otherwise known as OUSET.

In a nutshell, OUSET changes lives for the better helping students to complete their studies and access the brilliant benefits higher education provides.

OUSET provides vital support for Open University students who can't receive funding anywhere else to continue their studies by, supporting students with paying module fees and by assisting with costs relating to study for example travel, IT equipment or set books.

Without OUSET, Open University students in severe financial hardship would fall through the net and likely be unable to ever complete their qualification.

The Open University Students Educational Trust is a charity established by the OU Students Association. Its Board of Trustees is chaired by the immediate past president of the Students Association and is mostly made up of student trustees.

OUSET relies on donations and legacies to provide funding to support its charitable aims.

OUSET and the students it benefits are always grateful for the support received from OU students, staff and friends, and any kind donations are sincerely appreciated.

Sponsor Mark & Diesel