Tag: charity challenge

Tartan Trailblazers raise more than £44k for Childline by trekking the Great Wall of China 

A group of fundraisers from across Scotland have returned after raising more than £44k for Childline by completing a gruelling 50km trek along the Great Wall of China. 

The group of 14 fundraisers, who dubbed themselves the “Tartan Trailblazers,” walked 10km a day for five consecutive days across steep terrain, uneven steps, and exposed conditions – all in support of children and young people who rely on Childline. 

Among the group were Angela Sloan, 63, a teacher and Childline volunteer from Glasgow, and Gemma Cutler, 22, a Childline counsellor from Aberdeen. 

Gemma said: “The trek was an amazing experience and felt so surreal! The weather was pretty extreme with temperatures reaching 24 degrees and the paths were quite steep, with lots of loose rocks and uneven terrain. 

“That made it difficult, but it was worth it for the views at the top and to raise money for Childline, of course. It was lovely to be able to accomplish something so difficult with likeminded people all for a shared cause – to support children and young people through Childline.” 

Angela said: “It was unlike anything I have ever done before. The scale of the Wall was breathtaking and to feel the history beneath my feet made it unforgettable. 

“The terrain was tough: steep climbs, loose rocks and relentless heat. There were moments of exhaustion, of course, but also laughter, camaraderie, and reflection.  

“What kept us going was knowing that every step was helping Childline continue to be there for children who need someone to talk to. That purpose gave the whole experience real meaning.” 

The trek, organised through Charity Challenge, followed the winding path of the Yan Mountains to the Gubeikou Gateway, including the famous ‘heavenly staircase’ — a steep climb with dramatic views and unpredictable weather. 

Arlene Main, Fundraising Manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the Tartan Trailblazers. Their determination, teamwork, and generosity will make a real difference to children and young people across Scotland.  

“Their efforts are truly inspiring and its thanks to people like them that we can continue our work ensuring children are safe from abuse and neglect. Every step they took helps ensure Childline can continue to be there — day or night — for those who need someone to talk to.” 

Funds raised will support the NSPCC’s Childline service. To donate, visit the group’s JustGiving page. 

Young people looking for support can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.  

Adults with concerns about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or help@nspcc.org.uk. 

Musselburgh man ready to Brave the Bridge for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

Kevin Thomson will raise money for Scotland’s largest health charity in honour of his dad Jim who died of a stroke six years ago

A Musselburgh man will take part in an adrenaline-fuelled fundraiser in honour of his dad. 

Kevin Thomson will be one of hundreds of brave daredevils to abseil 165 feet down the UNESCO World Heritage Site on Sunday, 28th September to support Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. 

The senior playwork practitioner said: “I’ve always wanted to do something for charity and never have.  

“In 2019 following an infection my dad, Jim, died of a massive stroke at the age of 77. That started quite a tumultuous six years in my life and that’s me just getting back onto an even keel now.  

“At the start of the year I was thinking about doing something different. So I emailed CHSS before a date was confirmed for this year but once the date was announced they got in touch and helped me set up my fundraising page. I just want to do it in his memory.” 

Jim had an aortic valve replaced at the end of 2017 but was taken into hospital in June 2019 with an infection. After being moved hospitals from the Western to the General, he became unwell and died of a massive stroke waiting for a procedure. 

Kevin said: “He was my best friend. My mum died when I was 18 so it was me and him through thick and thin. We thought when he had the valve replaced that he’d get a new lease of life. He did all the right things, he looked after himself and this thing just reared its head unfortunately.” 

The 52-year-old added: “When I was thinking about charities, I’d done a little bit of rock climbing in my teenage years, and I remembered abseiling and I thought it sounded quite fun and when it coincided the abseil was to raise funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland it was the perfect opportunity and a great cause.  

“There’s a lot of motivation for me. I think if you’re able bodied you should at least try and do one thing for charity because there’s so many people in a different boat who, if they were able-bodied, would be doing things themselves. 

“He would be laughing at me every step of the way, and I’m actually surprising myself, to be honest. I was speaking to a friend who has done it and she said it’s a totally unique experience doing it off the bridge.” 

To support Kevin’s fundraiser please go to www.justgiving.com/page/kevin-thomson-13. 

If you’re inspired to take part in the abseil yourself this year you can sign up at https://www.abseil.scot.   

Stephanie Wilks, Community, Events and Corporate Fundraiser for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said: “We thank Kevin for his participation in the 2025 Forth Bridge Abseil and wish him all the best in his fundraising and on the day.  

“Every pound raised through fundraising helps CHSS to support the one in five people in Scotland who are living with chest, heart and stroke conditions and Long Covid to live life to the full.  

“It helps us to provide advice and support through our free Advice Line service, stroke nurses, online health information, support groups, supported self management courses and much more.” 

If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and are looking for advice and information, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899.

You can also text ADVICE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk. 

Veteran teams up with fellow soldier to complete LeJog – Lands End to John O’Groats – this weekend

Two retired Army veterans with over 75 years’ military service between them are set to finish their demanding 65-day walking challenge – LeJog – this weekend.

John McBride from Fife (65) and Barry Ince (70) from Shropshire set out on 23 March 2025 to walk the 1200-mile End to End trail from Land End to John O’ Groats. They are expecting to reach their destination on Sunday 25 May, passing through Lybster, Wick and Freswick along the way.

Accompanying the pair to the finish line is ‘honourary’ member of the LeJog team, Katie, 22. Katie was hoping to realise her lifelong dream of walking from Lands End to John O’Groats with her partner, until a serious foot injury cut short his hike.

When John and Barry heard about Katie’s plight, halfway through their walk, they welcomed her to the team. Katie’s father has followed her progress with the team from home and has helped support her along the way.

As John says: “In the Army we say, leave no man or woman behind and Katie has been an absolute star!”

John and Barry are long-time friends and Army veterans, who have taken on one of the world’s most famous walking challenges to raise money for four charities which are close to their hearts. Two are national charities – Cancer Research UK and the Army Benevolent Fund – and two are organisations working locally to each man’s hometown.

Fife resident, John, explains: “We have both been touched by cancer and by the loss of many dear friends and family. The Army Benevolent Fund is the Army’s national charity and does great work supporting many of our veterans and their families in times of need.

“Barry’s chosen local charity is the incredible Midlands Air Ambulance service, which always needs funds, and mine is Include Me, which provides much-needed support to vulnerable adults in Northeast Fife, by matching them with Volunteer Citizen Advocates.”

The route from Cornwall to Northeast Scotland has taken in the best of British countryside including the scenic West Highland Way and Ben Nevis which Barry and John climbed together earlier this month. 

But the team has faced tough times during their journey. John has suffered with severe shin splints for prolonged periods and Barry injured himself falling off a badly maintained stile earlier this month, which is still causing him pain.

So far the LeJog challenge has raised almost £15,000 for the four charities and donations are still coming in. What has kept both veterans going is the support of the local communities they have passed through and their family and friends, some of whom have joined them for part of the walk and helped with free accommodation, meals, laundry and moral support. 

Barry says: “We set ourselves a goal to achieve this very difficult task, to walk 1200 miles in 65 days with no rest days, including climbing Ben Nevis. Our extensive military service, self-discipline and determination means neither would allow ourselves to fail.

“We wanted to raise awareness and much needed funds for charities we believe make a difference.”

Sunday will be the culmination of a challenge which has been over almost 18 months in the planning. As they approach John O’Groats, the pair admit to mixed emotions as fatigue and niggling injuries are starting to set in, but they are determined to push themselves to the limit after LeJog is over.

Barry and John hope to lace up their walking boots again just 2 weeks later by taking part in the Army Benevolent Fund’s gruelling 24-hour trek in the Cairngorms, the 54-mile Cateran Yomp on 7th-8th June.

Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer at the Army Benevolent Fund said: “We are so grateful for all the efforts made by Barry and John, and their team in taking on this epic 65-day challenge from Lands End to John O’Groats for the Army Benevolent Fund and other charities.

“It is only thanks to funds raised through events such as these that the ABF is able to offer a lifetime support to soldiers, veterans and their families. We look forward to welcoming both veterans to this year’s Cateran Yomp in June, after some well-deserved rest and recovery!”

The Army Benevolent Fundis here to support the Army community through life’s challenges – such as bereavement, getting back to work, elderly care, and much more besides.

Last year, the ABF supported over 75,000 veterans, soldiers and their families in the UK and 50 countries around the world.

Follow the team on https://www.instagram.com/barry_and_john_lejog_walk/ and to support LeJog visit at www.givewheel.com/fundraising/5787/lejog

Thrill seekers urged to climb the Kelpies and support Children First

Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity, is calling on thrill seekers across Edinburgh and the Lothians to take on the challenge of a lifetime by climbing the world’s largest equine sculptures on 7 June.

The charity is asking people to take part in a unique adventure and raise funds to give children across Scotland hope and a safer, brighter future.

The exciting feat, which is only open to people raising funds for charities, involves climbing up inside the Kelpies through a maze of ladders, cables and suspended platforms before reaching the top and enjoying the view right from the horse’s mouth.

After conquering the Kelpies, participants will then free hang abseil or descend via the quick flight rope drop back down to the ground.

Among the brave participants is Children First’s chief executive, Mary Glasgow. She said: “Climbing the iconic Kelpies will be an experience like no other and I hope you will join me in taking on this exciting and memorable challenge.

“Every day our teams at Children First hear from children who are coming to us distressed and at risk of serious harm. Each year we provide practical, emotional and financial support to thousands of children and families across Scotland through our national support line and in their homes, schools and communities.

“Together we can give children the help they need to enjoy a safer brighter future.”

Anyone who wishes to sign up to the Kelpie’s Challenge and support Children First can visit childrenfirst.org.uk or call 0345 10 80 111.

Record breaking Munro challenge opens for entries

RHASS Mighty Munro Muster will see all 282 Munros conquered within the same 24-hour window

Scotland’s leading agricultural charity, RHASS (Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland), seeks avid adventurers to participate in an ambitious, and worthy fundraising feat.  

Taking place on 21 September 2024, the challenge will involve a group of no less than 600 individuals split into teams of two or more, collectively ascending all 282 Munros within the same 24-hour window. 

To succeed, each team is required to reach the summit of their selected Munro and return safely back down before the 24 hours is up, all while raising money for RHASS-funded projects aimed at those living and working in rural Scotland, safeguarding the rights of landowners, and preserving access to Scotland’s breath-taking landscapes.  

The challenge is part of the society’s 240th anniversary year. Other activities include a year-long audio and visual storytelling project, 240 Years of Stories, to contribute towards the legacy of Scotland’s agricultural and rural community, and a series of Harvest Thanksgiving services will also take place.  

RHASS will work with a range of partners to support participants in the run-up to the event, providing safety advice, training programmes, and guidance to ensure everyone is well equipped to take on the challenge. 

Various resources will also be provided to support participants in their efforts to raise funds for the challenge. 

In order to make sure all Munro’s are covered, applicants will be entered into a ballot, choosing their desired area and level of difficulty on entry. They will be assigned either their first or second choice of location and a Munro suitable to their abilities. People of all skill levels are encouraged to take part in what will be an exhilarating team challenge. 

Alisdair Caulfield, RHASS Director of Advancement, said: “The collective effort involved in this challenge will not only be a testament to community spirit, but it will also be a wonderful celebration of Scotland’s rich rural heritage. 

“We are aiming to sign up at least six hundred participants to ensure that no one faces the ascent alone, the logistics in that alone will be no easy feat.  Additionally, we have also set ourselves an ambitious fundraising target, which will help RHASS and our partnering beneficiaries drive positive change and leave a lasting impact on rural communities.” 

Munro-bagger Hollie Jenkins and her two spaniels Hugo and Spencer (@theedinburghspaniels) stepped up to support the drive for sign-ups, encouraging fellow dedicated hikers to take part in the daring challenge.

Hollie met with members of the RHASS team to share her passion for hiking in the Scottish Mountains and discuss the importance of preserving Scotland’s rural heritage.

Speaking on the challenge, Hollie said: “As an avid Munro bagger, I am honoured to be part of this remarkable challenge and encourage everyone to take part in the amazing opportunity to celebrate the natural beauty of our country’s landscape.” 

Land & Property Partner at Turcan Connell, Grierson Dunlop, said: “As sponsors of RHASS 2024, we are delighted to be part of the society’s assortment of activities and look forward to supporting this ambitious challenge and creative fundraising initiative.

“The Mighty Munro Muster Is a fantastic opportunity for individuals to help our rural communities prosper, stay active and take in the immense views from our impressive Scottish mountains.”

Those who think they can muster up the courage to take part can now sign up online at: https://rhass.org.uk/  

Participants will receive a branded event t-shirt to wear during the climb and to capture that all-important selfie at the top.

Charity runners complete Race to Dufftown challenge

Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador Mark Thomson and his Race to Dufftown team have raised funds well over the original target Just Giving; a total of £3135 for Protect Our Winters, with every donation matched by William Grant & Sons and Le Deli Robuchon London.

The runners followed a poignant trail through Scotland which was inspired by a journey taken by William Grant in 1885, as he searched for inspiration and opportunity before building Glenfiddich, in an expedition that took him from Dufftown to Balmoral.

Hoping the run inspires others to join next year, Mark documented the journey on his Instagram @singlemaltmark.

Interested individuals can follow @williamgrantuk for updates.

Setting out on 31 July, Glenfiddich Brand Ambassador to Scotland, Mark Thomson, led a group of 11 hospitality industry names on a 90k+ journey through Scotland. The poignant trail is inspired by a journey taken by William Grant in 1885, as he searched Scotland for inspiration and opportunity before building Glenfiddich, in an expedition that took him from Dufftown to Balmoral. 

In a bid to recreate William Grant’s epic journey, Thomson and his group of runners ran across some of Scotland’s most remote land over the course of two days. Beginning in Braemar, crossing two Munros, and finishing with a luxurious stay at the Glenfiddich distillery in Dufftown, the journey brought o life Glenfiddich’s inspiring brand heritage.

As part of the challenge Mark Thomson partnered with Protect Our Winters, an environmental charity dedicated to helping passionate outdoor people become effective climate advocates, protecting our world today and for future generations.  

Donations can still be made via Mark’s Just Giving page to support the runners and this worthwhile cause. A target of £2.5k was set by the brand and for every donation made William Grant & Sons will match it. 

Edinburgh man to swim a double-marathon for epilepsy charity

In the weeks leading up to Purple Day—the largest fundraising event for epilepsy-related causes—on 26 March, Edinburgh resident Michael Sturrock has set out to swim the equivalent distance from his home in Leith to the Epilepsy Scotland office in Glasgow.

The 28-year-old, who has epilepsy himself, aims to raise £2,000 for the charity. To reach his goal, he will swim just over 3km—or 122 lengths—every day for 28 days.

Speaking about his experience of epilepsy, Michael said: “I had my first seizure when I was 18. I had just arrived at a friend’s house and bent down to untie my shoes. I woke up several minutes later, unaware of who I was, where I was, who those around me were, what had happened or what was going to happen to me.

“I had just had a ‘grand mal’ seizure, which is the kind most will be familiar with – someone falling unconscious and fitting on the floor.  Aside from the danger and physical toll of the fitting period, the subsequent confusion is an experience in which you feel simultaneously trapped in your body and disconnected from reality. It is terrifying for me and those who have witnessed the seizure.

“Having epilepsy not only comes with the physical parts of the condition but impacts the mental health of those with epilepsy and their friends and family. Watching someone having a seizure is a horrifying experience. Studies show an increased prevalence of PTSD in family members and carers of those with epilepsy. Rates of depression and anxiety are higher in people living with epilepsy. Indeed, anxiety is something that has affected me significantly in the years I have lived with epilepsy.

“Over the last decade, I have been on a medical journey to control my epilepsy. After years of trying different and varying quantities of seizure-control drugs and managing their side effects, I have now been seizure-free for 18 months. It’s a huge relief both for me and my husband, who has had to witness and care for me during seizures over the years.

“I’ve chosen a swimming challenge to highlight the fact that there are lots of everyday things that many people with epilepsy can’t or choose not to do because of the risk seizures would pose. Some with uncontrolled seizures would choose not to have a bath, let alone swim in a pool.

“Whether controlled or not, epilepsy is ever-present in the daily lives of those with the condition and those around them. With support from charities like Epilepsy Scotland, however, that need not be a bad thing. The support and sense of community the charity provides not only helps mitigate the effects of epilepsy for many but enriches and becomes a central part of their lives.

“I have the privilege of being a trustee of Epilepsy Scotland and I see first-hand the incredible work they do to support people with epilepsy and their loved ones. It is a truly brilliant charity and deserves every single penny it raises.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the support received. I have completed 5 swims and already raised over 60% of my £2000 goal. If I can raise that number this week, I’ll up my target amount by £1000 – or maybe more. Any donations are very welcome.”

Commenting on his progress, Michael said: “I’m not a bad swimmer so have been largely okay in the pool so far, though my arms were pretty tired on the third day and my pace dropped a fair bit.

“But coping with the monotony is almost the bigger challenge – I started craving chilli heatwave Doritos halfway through yesterday’s swim and couldn’t think of much else for the remaining time – I’ll have to make sure I’m better fed for my next swim!”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/page/michael-sturrock-purple-swim. 

St James Quarter supports local charities with daring challenge

St James Quarter is calling all daredevils to kick off their shoes and test their nerves by signing up for an adventurous charity walk over broken glass in aid of two local charities on Sunday 12th June.

Taking place on Register Square outside the Galleria, brave participants will have the chance to break out of their comfort zone and support the vital services carried out by Deaf Action and Cash for Kids with all proceeds going towards the vital work they do.

St James Quarter is encouraging friends and families to come along and support on the day with St James Quarter colleagues also rising to the challenge to take part in the seven-foot-long glass walk, with some even giving their feet a makeover for the occasion.

Nick Peel, Managing Director at St James Quarter, said: “It’s an honour to be working with two amazing charities that do so much to help others. I’m ready to roll up my trousers, get my toenails painted pink and brave the glass walk in the name of a good cause.

“The whole St James Quarter team is excited to be getting behind this daredevil challenge and we hope to raise as much money as possible for Deaf Action and Cash for Kids. We’re encouraging everyone who can to sign up and join us for what is set to be an experience to remember.”

For more information and to register go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/st-james-quarter-glass-walk-tickets-304715591537

Registration costs £22.50 and there’s a minimum sponsorship required of £150. Participants will also attend a 90-minute workshop with Firewalk Scotland prior to the glass-walk.

World’s Longest Golf Hole: David’s life-saving challenge is heading for Edinburgh

A man undertaking a mammoth ten-week charity challenge will be arriving at Edinburgh Castle on Saturday 26th June – he is expected to arrive around 3pm. 

Former armed forces skiing and mountain craft trainer, David Sullivan, 58, from Surrey, began The World’s Longest Golf Hole challenge on 11th June. Starting at John O’Groats, he will be walking over 1,000 miles and making an estimated quarter of a million golf shots, before he reaches his final destination, Land’s End.

David is taking on this unusual challenge to raise vital funds for the British Heart Foundation. The money raised will help place life-saving defibrillators into villages, towns and cities up and down the country.

At every one of David’s stops on his journey, he will be training local people for free on how to save lives using CPR.

David’s passion for teaching people CPR came about when he was faced with a life-or-death situation. When a young man experienced a cardiac arrest in front of him, David luckily knew what to do. He gave CPR for 17 minutes until the man could be treated with a defibrillator.

“It was thanks to my training, and a defibrillator being nearby, that I was able to help save the man, who luckily made a full recovery,” says David.

“When something like that happens right in front of you, it makes you realise how precious life is and how important it is to know what to do in that kind of emergency. It was an experience which profoundly affected me, and now it’s my mission to create an army of life savers all over the country.”

David, who will be joined on the challenge by his son Freddie, 21, hopes his charity challenge will help teach as many people as possible the life-saving skill of CPR and will ensure that many more locations in the country are equipped with defibrillators. David’s fundraising target for the event is £60,000.

American Golf are kindly sponsoring David on this adventure. Gary Favell, CEO of American Golf said: “When we heard about the incredible challenge David had set himself, we immediately wanted to lend American Golf’s support.  

“David has found a way to harness his golfing prowess not only to highlight the importance of knowing CPR through his own personal experience, but to train people along his journey whilst raising funds for the British Heart Foundation – he is a true inspiration.

“American Golf champions inclusivity at every level, and we stand behind every player on their golfing journey – David’s is no exception, and we wish him every success on his mission.”

Donations can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/david-sullivan-77.

Companies wishing to get involved in helping to fund a defibrillator in their region should visit www.creatinglifesavers.com.

Sign up to Cash for Kids

Cash for Kids Day is nearly here!

Donate or sign up to be part of Cash for Kids Day on Friday 14th May and 100% will help us give children in our community a brighter future.

We’ll be making a difference to children from birth to 18 who are unwell, living with a disability, in poverty or those who simply need a little extra support.

Get involved at work, school or as yourself in any way you like. Dance, dress wacky or sing, the possibilities are endless! Start fundraising today and we’ll give you an online fundraising page and a free fundraising pack full of ideas and useful materials.

We’re also running our 5K a Day fitness challenge! See how the Boogie in the Morning team are getting on and find a friend to sponsor here.

Visit the website to find out more about who we’re helping, donate and sign up.