Donald Macdonald

I am heavily involved in many varied aspects of community life as

i) a Board Member of The Open Door Project, a charity for young homeless people (3years) - oversees the governance and management of the charity and ensures that the operational management of hostels, flats and community based support is delivered safely and securely. Chairs the Operational Risk Management sub-committee. Bringing commercial and professional experience to help provide the charity with a more diverse expertise and ensuring accomodation and support is available to vulnerable young people as part of joined up support from a number of agencies

ii) Coach and referee for youth rugby (9 years) - Qualified through Scottish Rugby Union to referee and to coach a squad of young people at the local rugby club as they have progressed through age-group rugby from 5 year-olds to current under-14 squad. Mid week training, Sunday matches and tournaments, rugby tours, fund raising and club committee work. Without volunteer support this club would not be available for the c.200 children who have been introduced to team sport.

iii) School Parent Council member (6 years) - involved in school boards and parent councils in 3 schools at various times supporting the school management team through regulation and governance and representing parents in their interactions with the school.

iv) Using both personal and professional experience, working with the Local Athority on behalf of the community in a new citizen lead agenda to help develop education policy through forums and conferences

In addition to this, in recent years I've found time to raise huge amounts of money for a charity very close to his family, the Anthony Nolan Trust. Activities have included cycling through the Arava desert, Jordan and the Sinai desert, Egypt followed by an ascent of Mount Sinai which raised £35,000 as part of a team. A team ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro raised c.£50,000 and his participation in the New York Maratho