In April 2006 the members of Lodge Hopetoun St. John No. 1232, a small Masonic Lodge located in Linlithgow, West Lothian, were stunned when they heard that one of their youngest members had tragically died from a previously undetected heart condition.
David Cochrane, aged 22 years, a former dux of Whitecross Primary School and head boy at Graeme High School in Falkirk had only recently graduated from Edinburgh’s Heriot Watt University and had been accepted to join the Royal Navy on an officers training course later that year.
David from Whitecross, Linlithgow had several part time jobs, the main object being to help his parents in supporting him through his university education. He was a familiar face in the Linlithgow area and his kind nature, willingness to help others and his big smile made him popular with all who knew him.
David was a keen amateur sailor and fly fisher and his community spirit was simply outstanding. On one occasion David, single handed, rescued a sailing party in trouble on Loch Sweene, Argyllshire, where David’s family have a holiday home. He took complete control of the situation and got the passengers to the shore before returning to the capsized boat in which the captain was trapped. Without thought for his own safety, he plunged into the water and rescued him.
On another occasion, he put his first aid skills to good use when he went to the aid of a man who had been attacked by thugs in a local shopping area.
Young David was a remarkable man, who at the time of his death, had already achieved much and there is no doubt that he would have gone on to a distinguished career in the Royal Navy.
Following David’s death, the members of his Masonic Lodge, along with family members and friends decided that something should be done to honour David’s memory and it was subsequently decided that efforts would be made each year to raise funds for CRY.
In the first year, 2006, it was hoped that a few hundred pounds could be raised, everyone was delighted when a total of £2,200 was announced.
In 2007 it was decided that a real team effort was needed and a sponsored walk on the local canal footpath was organised. The 18 long miles from the Bridge Inn at Ratho near Edinburgh, to the ‘Brig Inn’ at Linlithgow, along with the heavy rain, did not put people off and this event and a few others raised a fine total of £7,000.
This year there was indeed some doubt as to whether or not the previous total of £7,000 could be matched or indeed beaten. Again it was agreed that the local canal footpath provided excellent walking facilities as such “the walk” was arranged this time from “The Falkirk Wheel” to Linlithgow (a mere 15 miles).
Colleagues from a neighbouring Lodge, Lodge Camelon, joined the ranks and in the end over 70 walkers …..plus 5 dogs, took part.
In addition to the sponsored walk a “Stars in Their Eyes” evening, Bowling Competition and Charity Auction were also held. 
In the end an amazing sum was raised and on Friday 20th June, Shelagh Green, representing CRY, was presented with a magnificent cheque for £10,738.
Shelagh thanked the Lodge and all it’s supporters for the wonderful support given to CRY over the last three years. She also made special reference to the support given by David’s mother Katie and her family.
Speaking on behalf of all who participated in the various fund raising projects, Ray Newton, the secretary and a Past Master of Lodge Hopetoun St. John, commented “whilst David has been taken from us his memory will always be with us and his thoughts on life and what he achieved in his short life are, and always will be, an inspiration to us all”.
Ray Newton P.M.
Sec, Lodge Hopetoun St. John No. 1232
