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Edinburgh’s Winter Festival delivers ‘record £241m economic impact’

International visitor numbers, satisfaction and community benefits reach new highs

Edinburgh’s Winter Festival – encompassing Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay – has delivered its strongest performance to date, generating a record £241 million economic impact for the city and confirming Edinburgh’s position as one of Europe’s leading winter destinations with a record of 93 countries represented across its audiences.

The latest results, drawn from the most recent post‑event impact report, show sustained growth across visitor numbers, spending, satisfaction, community engagement and international profile, demonstrating strong recovery and growth.

Record economic impact and exceptional return on public investment

The combined Winter Festival generated £241m+ for Edinburgh’s economy in 2025/26, up from £198m just two years ago, representing growth of more than 20% across the three‑year period. The return on public investment has also increased significantly, with the festivals now delivering £297 back to the city for every £1 invested by the City of Edinburgh Council.

This growth reflects longer visitor stays, higher average spend and exceptional accommodation demand. Hotel occupancy peaked at 95.8% on New Year’s Eve, one of the highest figures ever recorded for the city, while average visitor spend and length of stay rose sharply across both Christmas and Hogmanay.

Millions of visits and a huge Hogmanay audience

Edinburgh’s Christmas welcomed over 2.9 million visits across its city‑centre sites this winter, maintaining near‑record footfall following the 3 million peak recorded in 2023/24. The event continued to attract a broad mix of local, UK and international visitors, with the majority travelling from outside the city and engaging extensively with Edinburgh’s wider retail, hospitality and cultural offer, proving its essential role in sustaining the sector.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay returned at full scale, welcoming over 115,000 people across its four‑day programme, a 15% increase from 2023/24. Major events sold out, including the world-famous Street Party, Torchlight Procession and Night Afore Concert in the Gardens, with a further estimated 100,000 people experiencing the Midnight Moment across the city centre.

The Hogmanay festival presented over 560 artists and performers, 97% of whom were local and Scottish, supporting Scotland’s cultural community. It also welcomed a record number of international visitors, with 33% of visitors from outwith the UK (3% increase) and 26% from UK outwith Scotland.

Together, the figures underline the festivals’ critical role in driving winter tourism, ensuring Edinburgh remains a festival city and supporting year‑round economic resilience for the capital.

Exceptional visitor satisfaction, advocacy and pride

Visitor feedback from the most recent season also shows exceptionally high satisfaction and advocacy:

95% of Edinburgh’s Christmas visitors reported being satisfied or extremely satisfied with their experience.
Over 80% said they would recommend the festival and attend again, rising to 100% among international visitors surveyed.
For Hogmanay, nearly 90% of attendees said the event made them feel proud to be part of Scotland’s celebrations, with three‑quarters likely to recommend it to others.

Across both projects, audiences consistently described the events as a defining part of Edinburgh’s winter identity, with nine in ten visitors saying their experience makes them more likely to return to the city during the winter season.

Growing community access and charitable impact

Alongside its economic success, the Winter Festivals continue to expand their community and social impact.

This year, more than 8,500 free tickets and ride passes were distributed to over 160 local charities and community groups, ensuring wide access for families and residents across the city. Over 27,500 people attended the free events at the Ross Bandstand across successive weekends. Local resident ticket offers once again sold out, showing the strong local engagement.

Charitable giving reached a new high, with almost £49,000 raised for partner charities Age Scotland, When You Wish Upon A Star, Simon Community Scotland and One City Trust across Christmas and Hogmanay. Long‑standing partnerships tackling homelessness, supporting children’s charities and local causes remain central to the festivals.

The programme also continued to prioritise local participation, with around three‑quarters of Christmas market traders Scottish‑based, many of them from Edinburgh, and extensive opportunities for local artists, performers and suppliers.

Global reach and international profile

Edinburgh’s Winter Festivals also achieved unprecedented global exposure this year. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay generated more than 2,000 pieces of national and international media coverage, with a potential global opportunity of over 8 billion media interactions across the world, with more than 80% of coverage positive in sentiment.

Major international broadcasters and outlets once again carried images of Edinburgh around the world, reinforcing the city’s reputation as the Home of Hogmanay and one of the world’s most recognisable New Year destinations. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Auld Lang Syne was CNN’s top global story through the night, with leading audiences in Australia, Germany, Canada, USA and UK.

Edinburgh’s Winter Festival has demonstrated clear and consistent momentum:

Economic impact has increased year‑on‑year.
Visitor numbers have rebounded strongly and now exceed pre‑pandemic levels.
Satisfaction, pride and advocacy measures have strengthened.
Community access and charitable contributions have expanded significantly.

This year’s results confirm the festivals not only as a major economic driver, but as a source of civic pride, cultural participation and social benefit for Edinburgh and its communities.

The Directors of Unique Assembly said: “These results underline just how important Edinburgh’s Winter Festival has become – not only to the city’s economy, but to its communities, cultural life and global reputation.

“Delivering £241 million in economic impact and some of the highest visitor satisfaction levels we’ve ever seen is something everyone involved can be incredibly proud of.

“It’s fantastic that people are staying longer, we are welcoming more people from around the world, we are giving local communities access to a range of free tickets and events, and we’ve seen a heartening uplift in charitable giving.

“This year shows that Edinburgh’s Christmas celebrations and Hogmanay festival are not just world‑class events, but a festival that is rooted in the city, supports local artists and businesses, and creates experiences people actively want to return for year after year.”

Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “It’s clear to see that both residents and visitors are continuing to embrace and enjoy the celebrations, which bring such a special atmosphere to Edinburgh each year.

“I’m proud that we’ve been able to deliver meaningful benefits for our communities through increased free tickets and ride passes, alongside record charitable donations that are helping support local causes across the city.

“Looking ahead to next year, we’re committed to building on this success and ensuring Edinburgh’s winter festival continues to deliver unforgettable experiences while creating lasting benefits for our residents, businesses and communities.”

Search begins for Scotland’s most inspiring young women

The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its annual 30 Under 30 list.

The list was established in 2016 to address the lack of diverse representation on other 30 Under 30 lists. It seeks to celebrate young women, girls and non-binary people in Scotland who are making change in their lives, communities or in society. Each year since its launch, the list has showcased some of Scotland’s most inspiring young artists, activists, carers, volunteers and trail-blazers from across the country.

This year’s successful nominees will form the eleventh cohort to appear on The Young Women’s Movement’s 30 Under 30 list.

Last year’s list included eight women from Edinburgh and the Lothians:

Beth Spencer, a community organiser who co-founded FERAL, the city’s first club night for queer women and non-binary people.
Chloe O’Herlihy, owner of Folk Creative Space – an inclusive salon and community space for the LGBTQ+ community – and advocate on important issues affecting LGBTQ+ people.
Emma Ahlert, co-founder of Back Off Scotland, which successfully campaigned for safe access zones around clinics providing abortions.
Kaydi Scottsville, the 19-year-old CEO and founder of Diversified, Scotland’s first youth-led charity supporting autistic young people.
Rosa Ross, a 15-year-old who uses her own experiences to advocate for young people through the Teenage Cancer Trust advisory group and Girlguiding’s youth steering group.
Sidrah Hassan, an AI ethicist who works to remove harmful biases within tech systems.
Tamara Rogovic, an artist who serves as the president of the Scottish Artists Union, campaigning for better pay and working conditions for its members.
Toni Lee Pryde, a Community Development Worker who works to improve service provision for young mothers.

Jenni Snell, CEO of The Young Women’s Movement, said: “In a climate of rising misogyny online and offline, 30 Under 30 is a much needed opportunity to celebrate and recognise young women’s achievements and the positive impact they have.

“Young women are leading change across Scotland – within their own lives and communities, as well as at a national level.”

Nominations can be submitted until Monday 8th June at:

youngwomenscot.org/30Under30,

where you can find more information about the list.

The Young Women’s Movement also accepts self-nominations, and is hoping to see stories from a wide range of age groups, parts of Scotland and areas of life.

Call for Volunteer Speakers at LifeCare Community Talks

Come along and share your passion!

Call for Volunteer Speakers at LifeCare Community Talks

Local charity, LifeCare is inviting local people to share their knowledge and passions as part of it’s popular free to attend monthly “Talks at LifeCare” programme.

Held on the second Friday of each month in LifeCare’s welcoming hub in Stockbridge, the talks offer a relaxed and friendly space for people to come together and learn something new.

The charity is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to deliver informal talks on a wide range of topics. Previous sessions have included The Water of Leith, Grandparent First Aid, and Fashion Through the Ages.

Full support is provided, making this an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in giving back to their community, sharing knowledge and expertise.

The LifeCare Talks project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland.

To find out more or express interest, contact Sarah Duckmanton at:

sarahduckmanton@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk

Letter: Mental Health Awareness Week

Dear Editor

Next week (11-17 May) marks Mental Health Awareness Week 2026. Led by the Mental Health Foundation, it is focused on the theme “Take Action”, looking at what proactive steps individuals can take to promote good mental health.

This is a major, nation-wide initiative involving schools, workplaces, and communities.

The week also marks the first few days for our newly elected MSPs, and, as a collection of organisations that support vulnerable children and young people, we urge them to make mental health a key priority.

Parity of esteem is vital, ensuring mental health needs are addressed with the same urgency as physical ones. Placing mental health on an equal footing with physical health will ensure equal access to funding and quality of care. While recognised in policy, Scotland still fails to fully achieve this.

Our mental health services frequently face lower funding relative to their disease burden, and if unaddressed, those children and young people with mental health problems will carry this into adulthood.

The costs of failing to address mental health problems are well-established. For example, those affected are more likely to be unemployed, homeless, get caught up in the criminal justice system, or be in extremely costly long-term care.

Our new MSPs have an incredible responsibility, and we urge them to make tackling the mental health emergency their number one priority.

Yours faithfully

The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition:

Patrick Gannon, Falkland House School

Lynn Black, LOVE Care

Kenny Graham, Spark of Genius

Niall Kelly, Young Foundations

42 Charlotte Square

Edinburgh EH2 4HQ

Tel: 0131 603 8996

Gilded Balloon announces next wave of Edinburgh Festival Fringe shows

Comedy stars, bold theatre, musicals, podcasts, gaming and family shows join expanding programme across Teviot, Patter House and beyond

Gilded Balloon has announced a major third wave of another 88 shows on sale for the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, bringing a dynamic mix of comedy, theatre, musicals, spoken word, cabaret and family shows to venues across the city.

This latest release builds on the already announced programme, with household names, Fringe favourites and exciting new voices set to take to stages at Teviot, Patter House, Gilded Balloon at the Museum, The Gilded Saloon and The King’s Theatre.

COMEDY

A standout comedy line-up sees the return of some of the UK and international circuit’s most recognisable names.

Fred MacAulay returns with both his much-loved live chat show Fred MacAulay in Conversation and brand-new stand-up hour Good Evening!, marking a powerful return following a challenging year (Gilded Balloon at the Museum).

At Teviot, Grace Campbell: The Lady is a Tramp delivers a bold, unfiltered hour of self-examination, while BAFTA-winning comic Jack Docherty: Butterfly brings a masterclass in storytelling and personal comedy.

International talent includes Australian internet sensation Jimmy Rees: In Reel Life (Teviot) and acclaimed US comic Jamie Kilstein: Can’t Tie Knots (Teviot), alongside returning Scottish favourites Paul Black: Cash Cow (Gilded Balloon at the Museum) and Mhairi Black: Difficult Second Album (Teviot) for a limited run.

A packed programme of distinctive comedy voices continues with Off-Broadway darling Sam Morrison: DUCK (Teviot), returning with a science-obsessed attack on the human ego, Leo Hincks: Emotional Cowboy (Teviot), Mark Silcox – I Have It All [A Success Story] (Teviot), Toby Tarrant: Utter Bloke Nonsense (The Gilded Saloon), author, journalist, and presenting her debut solo stand-up show, Amanda Knox with Cartwheel (Teviot), Glasgow local rising-star Tia Rey: Oot Ma Banger (The Gilded Saloon), Celine Kuklowsky: Bed Boy (Patter House) and fresh from a smash-hit season at Adelaide Fringe Claire Robin: NUN SLUT (Patter House). More stand-up and sketch comedy across the programme includes Mark Maier’s Jewvenile (Teviot), an award-winning observational set packed with sharp takes on everyday life; Maxx Eddy: Bi Meets World (Patter House), a chaotic and candid debut exploring queerness and masculinity; and Jess Carrivick (Teviot) and Joe Bor: The Adventures of Jasper Cromwell Jones (Teviot), bringing fresh comedic voices and character-driven storytelling to the Fringe.

International names include Pernille Haaland: Nordic Operations (The Gilded Saloon & Teviot), returning with her cool, sharp take on global tensions and modern life, and Brendan Scannell (Patter House), alongside fast-rising US comic Jamie Wolf: PSYCHO (Teviot), a life-affirming and hilarious reflection on grief.

Further highlights include Christian Dart: GUMSHOE! (Patter House), a multi award-nominated noir parody packed with high-energy character comedy; Spooky Dookie: Cool New Planet!! (Patter House), a sharp, silly sketch show imagining the creation of Earth.

SPOKEN WORD, PODCASTS & SPECIAL EVENTS

Gilded Balloon continues to blur the lines between performance and conversation with a strong programme of live events. Gilded Balloon co-productions include Graham Norton and Maria McErlane who bring their hit podcast Wanging On Live to the stage for the first time at The King’s Theatre and broadcaster Mariella Frostrup with actress Gina Bellman (Leverage, Coupling, Jekyll) tackle taboo and truth in Cracking the Menopause (Teviot).

Podcast fans can also catch Chris & Lizzie Hall: Stay Hydrated LIVE! (Teviot), alongside drag superstar Tia Kofi (RuPaul’s Drag Race) with The Final FronTia Live (The Gilded Saloon) and The BBC’s daily news podcast Newscast (Gilded Balloon at the Museum) sees Adam Fleming joined live by friends and special guests to talk about the big news of the day.

CABARET & VARIETY

Multi-talented performers shine in a vibrant cabaret offering, including Tom Read Wilson: A–Z of Me (Gilded Balloon at the Museum), blending storytelling, music and theatrical flair. Sarah McGuinness turns the lens on herself in Grit, Glitter and Gaslight (Teviot), a powerful and personal mix of story and song exploring identity, family and survival. Camelton (Teviot) from award-winning writer Stephen Cole is a hilariously true tale of writing a musical for the Emir of Qatar, a wildly entertaining journey featuring Brooklyn Jews, Middle Eastern producers, flying carpets, acrobats, ballet dancers and, of course, a lot of camels.

THEATRE

The programme features a powerful and diverse theatre programme tackling big themes with bold storytelling.

Highlights include Hecuba: Why Am I In Your Country? (Teviot), an Offie-nominated solo show exploring exile and identity, and NON-HUMAN ANIMAL by Kat Woods (Teviot) is a dark Irish comedy interrogating grief and justice.

New work includes Big Dog, from the makers of last years’ hit play Seating Plan,

(Patter House), a sharp exploration of true crime culture and ethics, and The Shit Table (Teviot) is a fast-paced black comedy set at the worst wedding table imaginable.

New play Steak Out (Teviot), by Edinburgh writer, actor and comedian Ruiraidh Murray delivers a gritty, high-energy heist story, while A Public Display of Affection (Patter House) offers a raw and unsentimental reflection on queer history and identity. Further theatre highlights include Broke & Fabulous in the 21st Century (Patter House), a riotous dramedy celebrating friendship, ambition and modern love, and Hater (Patter House), a sharp and poignant story of identity, obsession and unexpected transformation.

MUSIC, MUSICALS & OPERA

At Patter House musical comedy and parody take centre stage with a bold and irreverent line-up.

Expect outrageous fun from Crapp’s River, a musical parody of a beloved TV phenomenon, the high-energy workplace satire HR The Musical and Endometriosis: The Musical, a bold, award-winning and unexpectedly funny show tackling a chronic condition through song.

For fans of cheeky, high-camp comedy, Heated Rivalry: The Musical Parody! and Puck Bunnies deliver outrageous, laugh-out-loud takes on the hit show Heated Rivalry, romance and pop culture.

Acclaimed musical comedian Alexis Sakellaris returns with the heartfelt, queer musical comedy celebrating pop divas and fandom A STAN IS BORN! – Encore and brings a new work in progress show CHILD STAR exploring his experience on German Glee with new original songs, unearthed footage and the cringiest moments.

And Grammy award winning musician and songwriter Michelle Shocked returns to the Fringe with her latest show Bootleg This! blending music and memoir in a unique live performance.

FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SHOWS

Family audiences are well catered for with imaginative, accessible work for all ages.

Shhh! (A Wordless Comedy) (Teviot) delivers a visually rich, universally accessible journey inspired by classic silent comedy, while The Letterman (Teviot) combines clowning, puppetry and audience interaction in a joyful theatrical experience from award-winning clown Bryce Flint-Somerville (Blue Man Group, Barroz) . Children’s shows continue with Owl at Home (Teviot), a warm and witty story about embracing life’s surprises; Vasthy and Friends: Sing, Dance, Play! (Patter House), an interactive celebration of music, movement and imagination; and The Kobold Show! (Patter House), a playful, physical theatre adventure inspired by fantasy and tabletop gaming.

GAMING / INTERACTIVE SHOWS

Interactive and gaming-inspired shows bring playful, unpredictable energy to the programme. Highlights include Extra Lives: The Interactive Video Game Concert (Patter House), a live-scored audience RPG where every decision shapes the story; Shit Arcade

(Teviot), where comedians battle through the worst video games ever made; and Blood on the Clocktower: Live (Teviot), the sell-out game show of bluffing and betrayal hosted by Jon Gracey.

Also great fun is IKEA WARS (Patter House), a chaotic, high-stakes flat-pack building showdown that turns home improvement into competitive theatre.

EMERGING VOICES & FRINGE DISCOVERY

Gilded Balloon continues its commitment to nurturing new talent with platforms like Story Platform (The Gilded Saloon), an evolving live event showcasing emerging Scottish writers and performers across comedy, music and spoken word coming to Fringe following a triumphant series of year-round performances at The Gilded Saloon.

This latest announcement further cements Gilded Balloon’s reputation as one of the Fringe’s most exciting and diverse comedy and entertainment producers, with more shows still to be revealed.

Karen and Katy Koren, Artistic Directors at Gilded Balloon comment on the latest batch of shows: “It’s been a mammoth year of programming for us and we can’t thank the wonderful artists enough who we are delighted to be welcoming to Gilded Balloon this summer across our venues.

“The productions coming to the festival continue to push boundaries and we are thrilled to have artists presenting work that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. It’s going to be a very exciting Fringe here at Gilded Balloon.”

Tickets for all newly announced shows are on sale from 12pm on 5th May at:

https://tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk/

Through the Fettes keyhole: School opens its doors to visitors and supports variety of community groups

The school’s latest Community Engagement Day, on Friday 08 May, will see students engage in a range of activities across Edinburgh

Fettes College is supporting a host of local community activities and has also invited visitors into the school’s famous 19^th Century Bryce Building as part of Open Doors at Fettes.

The independent school’s latest Community Engagement Day, held biannually and this year on Friday 08 May, will see students support environmental improvement projects throughout Edinburgh, visit primary schools and care homes, and work with a range of community organisations.

Fettes will also open its own doors and invite local residents in for morning coffee, learn some Fettes history and enjoy a student-led tour of the school. The school will also host young people from FetLor Youth Club to engage in team-building activities, including its on-campus low ropes course, following their recent charity run that raised over £16,500 for the club.

The community activities, supported by students, will also incorporate various primary school and nursery visits such as Star of the Sea Primary School and Pirniehall Nursery where Fettes students have a long-standing relationship of providing hands-on teaching and support for maintenance projects and their clothes bank.

There are a number of local activities with a key focus on enhancing the city’s environment and open spaces, including planting up a Stockbridge roundabout (collaborating with The Flora Stevenson Primary School and St Ninian’s Church), Water of Leith clean-up (led by the Water of Leith Trust), helping Granton Community Gardeners, plus time spent at both Starbank Park and Inverleith Park.

Further activities involve bringing art and music to the local community through the making and donating of art packs for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and performing at venues including the LifeCare Centre.

Helen Harrison, Head of Fettes College, said: “Students at Fettes aim high and give back and our Community Engagement Days are a richly rewarding experience for everyone to come together and build on our local partnerships.

“Rooted in Edinburgh, Fettes places community contribution at the heart of these mutually beneficial relationships, supported by a curated and expanding programme.”

Visitor numbers to the ‘Open Doors at Fettes’ are limited. To Register to attend Open Doors at Fettes and view more information, please visit:

https://www.fettes.com/news-events/events/default-events-page/~board/college-events/post/open-doors-at-fettes

Gaelic community day at Heart of Newhaven

Edinburgh community group Ionad Gàidhlig Dhùn Èideann will be holding a Gaelic community day on Saturday 9th May at the Heart of Newhaven community centre as part of the initiative to develop a Gaelic hub in Edinburgh as a gathering place for Gaelic speakers, learners and supporters.

Wilson McLeod, the group’s chair, said: ‘Over 10,000 people in Edinburgh have Gaelic language skills according to the last census, but they are spread across the city, and there is no single place where Gaelic is the normal and natural language to use.

“A Gaelic hub in Edinburgh would be a real focal point for Gaelic in the city, helping to bring Gaelic speakers together and providing opportunities for everyone to get involved in Gaelic language and culture’.

This is the fourth and final community day under the title Cruinn Còmhla (‘Gathered Together’) over 2025/26. Over 500 people have attended the first three events, but this is the first to take place in North Edinburgh.

The event will offer Gaelic classes, introductory Gaelic workshops, an arts session for under 5s, a Gaelic singing circle, an introduction to the history of Gaelic in Edinburgh, a performance by the Edinburgh Gaelic Choir, a talk on the Gaelic creative process, a session for children to ‘Come & Try’ a traditional musical instrument, reading and conversation groups, and a City of Edinburgh Council session on Gaelic development.

There will also be a café, Gaelic books for sale, games and information on Gaelic activities in Edinburgh.

Development Officer Sarah Scott said: ‘The Cruinn Còmhla community days have been a huge success and we are excited to bring our next event to the Heart of Newhaven.

“We are keen to raise the profile of Gaelic in Edinburgh and bring new opportunities to learn and use Gaelic to people across Edinburgh as we work to develop a permanent hub space’.

Cruinn Còmhla Gaelic Community Day

9 May 2006 | Heart of Newhaven, 4-6 Main Street, Newhaven, (10am – 4pm)

www.ionaddhuneideann.org

According to the 2022 census 10,379 people in Edinburgh could speak, read, write or understand Gaelic, an increase of 75% since 2011.

Tomorrow: Pitch to Plate community meal at Easter Road

PITCH TO PLATE – MULTICULTURAL MEAL

Join us this Tuesday 5th May for a free community meal hosted by Hibernian Community Foundation & SABS.

Homemade curries, rice, naan & salad..

Fresh fruit sponsored by Association of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Scotland

Everyone welcome

Tues 5 May 2026

6–8PM (Doors 5:50PM)

Easter Road Stadium, EH7 5QG

Free Entry | No Booking Needed

Please share widely – thank you

St Mary’s Cathedral Open Day

SATURDAY 9th May – PALMERSTON PLACE

On Saturday 9th May, the Cathedral is holding its annual Open Day, including A+E’s Active Travel, Active Hope events.

With community stalls, a 24-hour relay, viewings of the Traquair Song School murals and bell tower, highlights from the Cathedral archive, and free tea and coffee, there is something for everyone!

Woman living with aggressive brain cancer takes on 100km canoe challenge

A West Lothian woman living with aggressive brain cancer is taking on a 100km canoe challenge to help fund a cure.

Hannah King-Page, 43, from Broxburn, will paddle coast-to-coast through the Scottish Highlands along the Great Glen Canoe Trail from 7 to 11 May as part of a team of six to raise money for the charity Brain Tumour Research.

The challenge will see Hannah and her team wild camp along the route as they navigate canals, lochs and open water, including the vast expanse of Loch Ness.

Hannah, a former physiotherapist who was forced to retire due to ill health, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and cancerous form of brain tumour, in 2020 after suffering a seizure at work.

More than five years on, she has outlived the 12-to-18-month prognosis that this tumour type carries. Her tumour remains stable, but she continues to live with the lasting effects of the disease.

Hannah said: “Taking on this challenge is about making the most of the time I have and doing something positive. It gives me purpose and a focus, while raising awareness of a disease that needs far more attention.

“I feel incredibly fortunate that things have remained stable for me, especially when I know so many others aren’t as lucky. But there’s also a sense of guilt that comes with that, because I’m very aware that other people I’ve met through the brain tumour community are facing progression or going through treatment again. It’s not success – it’s just that I’m still here, and I don’t take that for granted.

“Day-to-day life has changed completely since my diagnosis. I live with chronic fatigue, and there are times when it can completely wipe me out for no real reason. I also have some cognitive difficulties – I lose my words or struggle to process things as quickly as I used to.

“There are good days where I feel like I can take on anything, and then there are days where even simple things feel much harder. It’s about learning to listen to your body and adapting to a new normal.”

Hannah will be joined by a group of friends, coming together as ‘Paddles for Progress’ for the challenge, who she met while trekking 50km across the Sahara Desert last year.

Together they raised more than £90,000 for Brain Tumour Research.

The team includes Hariette Small, 46, a Welsh teacher living in Berkshire, who is taking part in memory of a close family friend who died from a brain tumour aged just eight; Hayley Firth, 48, and Amy Firth, 24, from Bedfordshire, who are fundraising in memory of their nephew and cousin, George Fox, who died aged 13; and Claire Cordiner, 57, from Edinburgh, whose family has been devastated by brain tumours, losing four loved ones to the disease.

Also taking part are Hannah’s cousin Sarah Martin, 55, and Gary Balkham, 62, both from Bristol, who share a close personal connection to her journey.

“Meeting the group in the Sahara was such a powerful experience,” Hannah said. “We all came together because of brain tumours, but what we built out there was something much deeper.

“We supported each other through a really tough challenge, and that created a bond that’s hard to explain unless you’ve been through it. We knew we wanted to do something together again, and this felt like the perfect opportunity.”

The group’s latest challenge will take them on a coast-to-coast journey through the Scottish Highlands along the Great Glen Canoe Trail, travelling from Banavie, near Fort William, to Clachnaharry, Inverness, on a demanding multi-day route that combines inland waterways with large open lochs.

Despite her experience with outdoor challenges, Hannah admits she will need to carefully manage her condition throughout the journey.

Hannah said: “For me, the biggest challenge will be managing my fatigue. Physically, I know I can push myself, but living with a brain tumour means I have to be honest about my limits.

“I’ve learned that I need to speak up if I’m struggling or need to slow down, and that’s something I’ll have to be really mindful of during the challenge. It’s about finding that balance between pushing myself and looking after my health.”

Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age and there are more than 100 different types of primary brain tumour, making them notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat. Yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.

Through her fundraising group, Hannah’s Kingdom, she has already helped raise more than £36,000 for Brain Tumour Research, funding 13 days of vital research into the disease.

This includes work carried out at centres such as the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, a game-changing collaboration with Beatson Cancer Charity, focused on finding kinder treatments and, ultimately, a cure for glioblastoma – the same type of tumour Hannah is living with.

Hannah added: “Fundraising has become such an important part of my life since my diagnosis. I feel incredibly lucky to have the support of family and friends who have gone above and beyond to help raise money, whether that’s through events, challenges or donations. It’s amazing to know that what we’re doing is helping to fund research, but at the same time it highlights how much more is needed.

“We’ve all got a brain, yet brain tumours receive just 1% of the national spend on cancer research. Treatments for high-grade tumours like mine haven’t really changed in decades, and that’s something that needs urgent attention. While I’m still here and able, I want to keep raising awareness and using my voice to push for better outcomes for people diagnosed in the future.”

Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Hannah’s determination to take on such a demanding challenge while living with a brain tumour is incredibly inspiring and we are so grateful for her continued support.

“Her story highlights not only the resilience of those affected by this disease, but also the urgent need for greater investment in research. We have a whole team of scientists at the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence dedicated to finding better outcomes for glioblastoma but we desperately need more funding.”

Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure.

The charity is the driving force behind the call for a national annual spend of £35 million in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia.

To support the “Paddle for Progress” team’s fundraising challenge, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/team/100kcanoeacrossscotland

To read more on Hannah’s brain tumour journey, visit:

https://braintumourresearch.org/blogs/in-hope/hannah-king-page