Sir Tom Hunter was joined by Scotland football team manager Alex McLeish yesterday to announce that those who took part in this year’s Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalks raised a record-breaking £5 million for Scottish charities.
With over 20,000 walkers taking part across all four events, a huge 42% increase on 2017’s 14,000 walkers, this year was the biggest Kiltwalk ever.
Walkers raised an incredible £3.6 million for 1156 amazing charities, with a further 40%, £1.4 million, added by Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation.
Alongside Sir Tom and Alex at the cheque handover was four-year-old Lucy Hunter from Uddingston, who was born with heart problems but is now flourishing thanks to support from Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
Sir Tom said: “20 082 walkers, 1156 amazing charities benefitting from an incredible £5m of funding – Kiltwalk is on the march!
“The statistics, whilst amazing, don’t scratch the surface of the impact on those most in need. If anyone typifies the character, humility and sheer determination of our walkers it’s Joanna Lamb from Edinburgh. Joanna is an incredible young woman with terminal cancer walking to support fellow cancer sufferers and It’s Good 2 Give; powerful and emotional; truly amazing.
“As 2019 approaches I’d like to thank our walkers, Kilties, sponsors and everyone that supports the Kiltwalk as we step out once again to make a difference to those most in need – thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Alex McLeish said: “This just shows how generous Scots are! What fantastic news for Scottish charities just in time for Christmas. Well done to the Kiltwalkers who helped raise such an incredible amount for those who need it most.
“I hope every Scottish Football fan will pitch in and get behind the effort next year to make sure the Kiltwalk breaks records once again in 2019.”
Next year’s Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk events will take place on:
- 28 April in Glasgow
- 02 June in Aberdeen
- 18 August in Dundee
- 15 September in Edinburgh.
Platinum sponsor Arnold Clark joined Sir Tom in repeating a generous fundraising pledge. One lucky walker from each event will win a brand new Kia Rio plus any event attracting more than 5,000 walkers will double the chance with two cars being given away.
For more information about the Kiltwalk, or to register, visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk
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