Tag: charity fundraiser

TONIGHT: CHAS Rocking Horse Ball, sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors 

Scottish law firm Thorntons is supporting Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) as the headline sponsor for a third year at the charity’s seventh Rocking Horse Ball this summer.

The annual event will take place at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh tonight and is recognised as one of the capital’s most-loved charity dinners.

The theme of this year’s Rocking Horse Ball, sponsored by Thorntons, is ‘A Whole New World’ with guests set to enjoy a night of wonder with Aladdin-themed games amongst a backdrop of flying carpets and magic lamps.

Comedian and singer Jess Robinson will return to host the event, supported by compere Alex Fleming, who will entertain guests throughout evening, including during the live auction, while music will be provided by Scottish duo BLEEKER. 

Leading full-service law firm Thorntons offers a full range of legal services to businesses and private clients across the country, with partners regularly volunteering and raising money for CHAS.

Lead partner at the firm’s Edinburgh office, Clare Macpherson, is also a member of the Rocking Horse Ball’s event committee.

Diane Alton, CHAS’s high-profile events manager, said: “We are proud and privileged to have the continued support from Thorntons for a third year for our seventh Rocking Horse Ball. 

“With their very generous sponsorship, we are able to wow our guests from start to finish, creating an incredible and memorable event that will raise vital funds for CHAS. We can’t wait to sprinkle our magic and take our guests to A Whole New World on the night.”

Clare Macpherson said: “It’s remarkable and humbling to witness the difference CHAS makes to families across Scotland. We’ve long supported the CHAS Rocking Horse Ball and we’re proud to once again be event sponsors and support their ongoing work.”

The charity provides nationwide hospice services for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions at Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch while its CHAS at Home service supports families in their own homes.

To purchase tickets to this year’s event please visit:

https://www.chas.org.uk/events/chas-rocking-horse-ball

Summer Ball raises £111,000 for Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland

On Saturday, 10th June 2023, the black-tie fundraising event at The Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow, was attended by nearly 500 people, providing an opportunity for guests to help raise vital funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer.

Scottish stand-up comedian and TV/radio presenter Des Clarke hosted the event with fabulous entertainment throughout the evening and opportunities to win luxury items through tombolas, prize giveaways, an online auction, and a live auction.

David McRae, Managing Director of Just Employment Law, spoke from the heart about sadly losing his mother Margaret to pancreatic cancer seven years ago, the same year he lost his younger brother. He explained that the Summer Ball was again being held in their memory.

A powerful video featuring members of the Just Employment Law and Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland teams played across large TV screens. Marty Bryson, who sadly lost his mum to pancreatic cancer in 2016 when he was only 15, performed two songs he had written in memory of his mum.

Sean McGarvey, son of former Celtic and St Mirren football legend Frank McGarvey, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in January, spoke to guests. Sean thanked Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland for their support of his family. He highlighted the importance of earlier diagnosis and the urgent need to raise funds and awareness to help save lives.

Scottish football journalist and radio presenter Tam Cowan, who lost his father-in-law John to pancreatic cancer in December 2020, led the hugely successful live auction, all while entertaining the guests with his unique brand of comedy.

Before the guests were let loose on the dancefloor, one lucky guest won a Star Prize Giveaway of £5,000 cash on the evening. The guests then danced the night away with the band Waterfront filling the dancefloor.

To date, Just Employment Law has raised nearly £400,000 in aid of Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland, and they are tireless in their support of the cause.

David McRae said: “We were delighted to host our third Summer Ball in support of PCAS and to raise much-needed funds and awareness for the charity. 

“Having lost my own mother to this silent killer, I have first-hand experience of the devastation it causes.  We, and I personally, stand with PCAS and all the excellent work they do.”

Fiona Brown, Development Manager for Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland, said: “We are incredibly grateful to David and the Just Employment Law team, family, friends and networks for their amazing generosity and kindness over a number of years as our charity partners.

“Events like The Summer Ball take a huge amount of organising by the JEL team but can play a key role in raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer. It was a wonderful evening and particularly special to have three pancreatic cancer survivors in the room, helping highlight that survival is possible, and earlier diagnosis can save lives.”

Sandra Bigbie, a nine-year pancreatic cancer survivor from Rutherglen, said: “It was an incredible night out and was the most fun I’ve had in years! I would like to thank everyone who was so generous with their donations to raise such an astonishing amount for a very worthy cause.

“I’m sadly part of a very small club of survivors, early diagnosis is the only way to help save more lives, and that is why I am so proud to be able to support Pancreatic Cancer Actions Scotland’s efforts to create a future whereas many people as possible are saved.”

Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland remains dedicated to saving lives via early diagnosis. If you would like to learn more about us and our mission, you can do so here: panact.org

TONIGHT: A Celebration of Music

Join our guest organist Oli Kelly and the church choir tonight Friday 19 May at 7pm for a charity recital and concert in aid of Drake Music Scotland.

The event is free but we would ask for donations to the work of Drake Music Scotland who provide music making opportunities for children and adults with disabilities and special needs.

The concert will last approximately 1 hour 20 mins and will be followed by refreshments. The concert will feature Oli Kelly on the organ and after a short interval Oli will conduct the church choir in a selection of pieces ranging from Palestrina to Howard Goodall.

You can learn more about the work of Drake Music Scotland at:

https://drakemusicscotland.org

The Engine Yard hosts festive celebration in support of North East Edinburgh Food Bank

Helping to spread some festive cheer, leading social enterprise, Places for People hosted a fabulous Christmas event at The Engine Yard in Edinburgh last week to continue its support of the NE Edinburgh Food Bank run by the Trussell Trust.

 This is one of seven food banks operated across North-West, Central and East Edinburgh, which in total provided 1,059 meals in September 2022.  Over half a ton of food was donated (worth approximately £2,500) along with £200 in cash thanks to the generosity of The Engine Yard residents, the Places for People developments’ team and on-site subcontractors. 

This generous donation will help the foodbank to provide emergency food parcels to individuals, families and children who are most in need during the festive period.

Residents from The Engine Yard flocked next door to Grace Church, along with colleagues from Port of Leith Housing Association, Scottish Futures Trust, RMG and Greg Reed Group CEO for Places for People where they enjoyed a selection of tasty seasonal treats from the delicious Embo Deli.

Revellers meandered through Christmas-inspired craft stalls and residents got into the festive spirit by sporting their favourite Christmas jumpers for the chance of winning a prize.  

Kevin Bunyan, Senior Site Manager at The Engine Yard, for Places for People comments: “I would like to express my special thanks to the Grace Church and our Sales Team for organising a fun afternoon where food and drink were given out to local residents who have also kindly donated to the food bank this year.

“The Engine Yard has supported the Edinburgh NE Foodbank for many years, with donations from Places for People and our onsite sub-contractors.”

Alison Roxburgh General Manager of the NE Edinburgh Food Bank comments: “I would like to thank the Places for People team and the subcontractors at The Engine Yard for their generosity and support once again this year.

“My thanks also go to everybody involved in promoting the Food Bank Christmas Appeal 2022 to ensure its success at a time when it is most needed.”

Enjoying a prime position close to Edinburgh’s city centre and once a historic tram depot on Leith Walk, The Engine Yard forms part of a superb regeneration story and is fast becoming the city’s newest destination to reside in.

Boasting rich industrial architecture, with tram sheds, a chimney, a boundary wall and gables, the area is now being sensitively restored to create a unique development of 377 homes that elegantly combines old and new in one place.

For more information about The Engine Yard, please visit:

 www.placesforpeople.co.uk/find-a-home/homes-to-buy or call 07919 381278.

Firewalk with Held In Our Hearts

Local charity, Held In Our Hearts, will again be hosting their popular FireWalk event on 4th December at Edinburgh Leisure’s Craiglockhart Tennis Centre.

The FireWalk will be a chance for locals to take part in a once in a lifetime challenge, daring to be different, and walking over hot coals to raise much-needed funds for the charity’s work supporting parents whose babies have tragically died.

Tracy Watt, Held In Our Hearts Fundraising Manager, said: “We know the journey that the parents we support is daunting and often it is the fear of the unknown that can be very frightening for them; by taking on this challenge, we want to stand in solidarity with bereaved parents across the city and beyond, to walk together with them.

“We hope that this event will appeal to many of the families that we support, as well as many of our supporters, who want to dare to be different and experience such a unique event, while raising much needed funds for our baby loss counselling and support.”

Rupert Seggins, who took part in the FireWalk last time for the charity said: “This is truly an experience like no other – bare feet, burning coals and incredible support from a team that have put hundreds of people through their paces.

“I had such a great time overcoming my nerves and stepping out to do something I didn’t think was possible for me. And all to help the wonderful Held in Our Hearts! What’s not to love?”

Held In Our Hearts FireWalk will be run by UK Firewalk, one of the UK’s leading experts who specialise in corporate and charity firewalking and glass walking events.

The UK FireWalk team will ensure the safety of every participant and viewer involved through the presence of official safety experts.

Long distance golfer David completes life-saving challenge

Twelve weeks, over 1,100 miles, a quarter of a million golf shots, more than 920 lost golf balls and an estimated 30,000 people trained in life-saving CPR skills.

This is what former Armed Forces trainer, David Sullivan aged 58 from Oxted in Surrey, has accomplished after setting off from John O’Groats in June on a mammoth mission to walk across the UK while hitting a golf ball and teaching people life-saving CPR skills along the way.

David arrived at his destination of Land’s End on 22nd August.

David set himself this extraordinary task, which involved walking between 14 and 30 miles every day and camping overnight, to raise awareness of the importance of knowing CPR, and to raise funds that would enable more towns and villages across the country to install life-saving defibrillators.

At every one of David’s stops on his mammoth journey, he trained people how to perform CPR. 

David’s passion for teaching CPR came about in 2016 when, while playing golf, 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 had hoped to raise £60k, which would mean that 60 locations in Britain could be kitted out with a defibrillator, but at just over £9k, he is hoping that completing his challenge will encourage more people to donate.

“I’m imploring individuals and businesses all over the country to support this endeavour. Until a cardiac arrest happens to you, or someone you know, it’s impossible to truly understand how critical defibrillators are. Being treated with a defibrillator can literally mean the difference between life and death.

“We saw this recently when Danish footballer Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch. It can happen to anyone at any age at any time. Being treated with a defibrillator increases someone’s chance of survival by up to 70%.”

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

American Golf kindly sponsored David on this adventure. 

Gary Favell, CEO of American Golf said: “David has been on an incredible journey over the last two months and American Golf is proud to have been behind him, encouraging him every step of the way. 

“It’s been fantastic to see the attention that David’s challenge has garnered up and down the country, raising awareness of the importance of knowing CPR, and the enthusiasm that he has shown in training people along his route. 

“Huge congratulations to David on all he has achieved – we hope he now enjoys a well-earned rest having reached his final hole.”

For more information visit www.creatinglifesavers.com.

Annette tackles Kiltwalk challenge to support RNIB

Leith resident Annette West has helped to raise £2,250 for sight loss charity RNIB Scotland after taking part in the Virtual Kiltwalk last Sunday.

Annette (above, left)was one of eight people who walked six miles along the Water of Leith, in two groups of four to maintain social distancing.

“I have experienced sight loss for over 30 years but have always been helped and supported by RNIB Scotland,” says Annette (60). “I just wanted to do the Virtual Kiltwalk to help give something back.

“I found the walk very easy and relaxing. I also found that pathway easy to get around as there was not too many steps. Socially distancing was only a problem when the path was narrow and when people in the opposite direction were trying to pass by. I think the route is very popular for walkers on Sundays.

“It was really good to meet up and spend quality time with friends before we all went back to our own lockdown homes. It gave me a sense of freedom by being out in the open. I also felt re-connected with nature and that it was great to meet other human beings.

“After the walk I felt that my spirits had been lifted and that going back home, I was mentally and physically in a good place.”

You can still donate to Annette’s fundraising page for RNIB Scotland until Monday 21 September:  https://edinburghkiltwalk2020.everydayhero.com/uk/netwalk2020

Curry and Ceilidh: Come Dine With Us!

  • Come dine with celebrity chef TONY SINGH and TV presenter GAIL PORTER this Valentine’s Day
  •  In support of two wonderful charities – Pulse of the Place and Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) The Soldiers’ Charity”

A top Edinburgh fundraising team has created a sizzling Curry & Ceilidh night to help send North Leith youth samba band, Pulse of The Place, to New York City Tartan Week this April, as well as supporting the fundraising efforts of the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

The exciting Curry and Ceilidh, masterminded by celebrity chef Tony Singh MBE and Major Del Hamilton, Personnel Recovery Centre (PRC) Edinburgh aims to build on the work by Tania Pramschufer and Olya Arren of Hand Up Events who have been the driving force behind the NYC trip.

The 2020 vision for this year’s trip to the Big Apple is to provide young drummers with a new and exciting platform to perform at while joining the World Fair Trade Tartan Clan at the annual Tartan Week Parade.

Pulse of the Place has undertaken a serious fund-raising campaign to underpin their efforts over the past year and are making a the last hard effort to secure all the necessary funding. On hearing their plans, chef Tony Singh has drawn in huge support from the army Personnel Recovery Centre’s Edinburgh team  to make the evening a “sought after” Valentine’s Day event at the exclusive Redford Barracks Garrison Sergeants’ Mess – this February the 14th.”

The evening will lift off with celebrity hosts Tony Singh showcasing his culinary skills and TV presenter Gail Porter adding her infectious fun touch to the exciting auction with a chance to bid for some luxury prizes, including:

*Three course dinner for six held exclusively in the Green Room, Edinburgh Castle Officers Mess;

*One o’Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle for a family or a group of four people to have a memorable opportunity in getting a full insight into the One O’clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle.  This will be followed by an exclusive lunch in the Castle Officers Mess.

*Dinner Bed & Breakfast for Two (Sun – Thurs) at Dunkeld House Hotel – one night stay in a double or twin guest bedroom with 3 course dinner and full Scottish breakfast as well as full use of the Estate Club.

Guests will also enjoy a performance from Pulse of the Place drummers and of course there will be all mighty Cheilidh taking place – compering for the ceilidh band “Drop of the Good Stuff” guaranteeing a full on fun night! Great beats and dancing the night away, Gail will talk the guests through the steps, meaning all levels are welcome to join.

Celebrity chef, Tony Singh MBE, said: “As soon as I heard about the fundraising plans to get the young drummers to New York – I thought I had to be able to help in some way.

“These are an incredible young group, who sometimes against the odds, come out playing, smiling and lifting people’s spirits.  Gaining the backing of the wonderful army Personnel Recovery Centre team has been a real boost –  and a really fun event to be involved in – especially as we will be fundraising for both charities.

So we are encouraging people to do something different on Valentine’s Day this year and join us at an incredaible location Redford Barracks for some great food and ceilidh on down! Singles, couples, friends, relatives, collegues – a night for everyone!”

Host of the evening TV presenter, author and journalist Gail Porter said: “I have been on stage with Pulse of the Place at the events organised by Hand Up Events a number of times now and they really do represent a truly professional and vibrant samba style with a Scottish twist.

“It will be an amazing sight and sound to see them march as part of the World Fair Trade Tartan Clan, in the Tartan Day Parade.”

Major Del Hamilton RLC, Officer Commanding, Personnel Recovery Centre Edinburgh added: “This is a terrific opportunity for us to showcase the hugely important work of the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity which provides an incredibly important service to many soldiers, veterans and their immediate families when they are most in need.

“This fundraiser will help give us the ongoing funds and profile for our charity. In addition, it is a great collaboration and way to bring our skills and talents together to create a fun, one off event and give our backing to these young people. Our ceilidh band “Drop of the Good Stuff” and the ABF team are ready to make the night a memorable one.”

Event organiser & director, Tania Pramschufer, Hand Up Events said: “We are just over the moon with the support we have been given by Major Del Hamilton and his Personal Recovery Centre team alongside Tony and Gail.

“It is a real honour to hold this fun event in the exclusive Redford Barracks Garrison Sergeants’ Mess and join efforts in support of Pulse of the Place and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. Both charities, even though different in nature, have got positive impact and outlook, that we want to draw attention to and raise funds for!

“Pulse of the Place have participated in events organised by Hand Up Events and performed in the Scottish Parliament and at a number of concerts and events including the World Fair Trade Fiesta 2017; fashionABLE fashion shows; World Fair Trade Day 2019 at the Usher Hall alongside our very own Gail Porter and now aim to represent Scotland at the Tartan Day Parade 2020.”  

All profits from the event will go to the two charities Pulse of the Place and the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. No fees have been paid to hosts or third parties.

Event Brite link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/valentines-curry-ceilidh-tickets-90060694963?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Pulse of the Place Fundraiser: https://www.givey.com/2020visionpulseoftheplacetonyc

Valentine’s Day Curry Ceilidh tickets are £50 per person. Limited to 100 tickets.
Book now to avoid disappointment.

Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/valentines-curry-ceilidh-tickets-90060694963?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Whisky pillage film to be premiered at charity ceilidh tonight

Three brothers rowing across the Atlantic in the 2019 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge at the end of this year are throwing a musical evening at Summerhall in Edinburgh tonight to raise money for their chosen charities. 

In August, the team pillaged bottles of whisky from distilleries across the West Coast to help bring 3000 people in Madagascar clean water. The ‘whisky pirates’ captured this on film and will premier the mini-documentary at the event.

A unique blend of whisky will be created by Scotland’s leading whisky expert (and father of the boys) Charles MacLean. This ‘BROAR Blend’ will then be auctioned to fund life-saving freshwater boreholes, delivered by Argyll-based charity Feedback Madagascar.

Team BROAR , Edinburgh-based brothers Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan MacLean, hope to raise £250,000 for Children 1st and Feedback Madagascar by undertaking this gruelling row.

Pickering’s Tradlantic at Summerhall will be a celebration of Scottish music and two fantastic charities. Being musicians, the brothers know how music can bring people together like nothing else. Top acts will be performing including Edinburgh’s Samuel Nicholson, the Isle of Mull’s Sorren Maclean & Hannah Fisher and Tony McHugh from Belfast.

“Over the years, music has certainly been the thing that has brought us together as a trio – which maybe explains why we’ve opted to spend up to 60 days on a 28foot long raft together this Christmas.

“The plan is to take scaled-down versions of our instruments for the crossing and record a tune in the middle of the Atlantic – Christmas number one here we come … !

“To help reach our fundraising target of £250,000 we thought that a musical evening would be very fitting – come along to Summerhall to enjoy some gin and music for Pickerings Tradlantic this Saturday!”

Managing Director of Feedback Madagascar, Jamie Spencer, said: “We really appreciate the boys undertaking this challenge for Feedback. We will be building new boreholes with the funds they raise to transform the lives of over 3,000 people in Madagascar.

“Clean water is taken for granted but only 14% of the rural population of Madagascar has access to clean water, and as a result, hepatitis and typhoid are widespread. Diarrhoeal disease from dirty water causes 20% of deaths in children under five.”

Tickets are available here. 

Letter: Three Peaks for Meningitis

Dear Editor

I would like to invite your readers to join an amazing charity team and climb the three highest peaks in the country to help raise money for people living with the impact of meningitis.

A few years ago, when I was just 22 years old, I was told I only had three hours to live. I had been on my way to Norway for a work trip when I fell ill. Luckily, I wasn’t allowed on the flight because what I didn’t realise at the time was that I had deadly meningitis.

I am so grateful that I survived. Many are not so fortunate. But even so I am living with long-term after effects of the disease which includes memory loss, anxiety, and hearing problems.

This was one of the reasons I was so glad I chose to join the Meningitis Now team when I took part in the Three Peak Challenge earlier this year.

Not only did I know that I was raising money for a fantastic cause to help people like me, but I also found the most incredible support network of people who helped me through one of the most exhilarating weekends of my life.

I cannot recommend this experience highly enough and I would encourage anyone, whether they have had a meningitis experience or not, to join the Meningitis Now team.  You will be looked after from the moment you sign up until the moment you say goodbye at the end of the challenge. And if your experience is anything like mine, you will make some new friends for life.

Sign up now for Meningitis Now’s Three Peaks Challenge 2020 by visiting their website at meningitisnow.org or contact Kirsty at the charity at kirstyo@meningitisnow.org.

With warmest wishes,

Holly Jackson