Tag: charity fundraiser

Scotland & All Black legends Gavin Hastings and Sean Fitzpatrick to headline Watsonian FC’s eve-of-test ‘Hoodoo Lunch’

BBC Scotland’s Tom English to host marquee discussion featuring two of rugby’s greatest captains at The George Hotel

Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com

Watsonian Football Club has announced that former All Black captain and World Cup winner Sean Fitzpatrick and Scottish rugby icon Gavin Hastings will headline ‘The Hoodoo Lunch’ at The George Hotel on Friday, 6th November 2026.

Taking place on the eve of Scotland’s Nations Championship test match against New Zealand, the event brings two of world rugby’s most legendary figures together on stage. 

Chaired by BBC Scotland chief sports writer Tom English, the feature discussion will examine rugby’s ultimate rivalry, shared memories of battling the All Blacks, and Scotland’s ongoing quest to break the “Hoodoo”.

Gavin Hastings is the only Scot to captain a winning test match side against the All Blacks, in the second Lions test in 1993, and the afternoon will also feature contributions from Watsonian internationalists who took on New Zealand over the decades. 

Watsonian Football Club president John McLellan said: “New Zealand don’t seem to be getting any weaker, but we hope our first Hoodoo lunch will also be the last if Scotland score a historic victory the day after.

“We’re looking forward to hearing from Gavin and Sean about how it might be achieved.”

The lunch is in aid of Maggie’s Centre, in memory of Scott Hastings, the British Heart Foundation and Watsonian Football Club.

Event & Ticket Details:

  • Date: Friday, 6th November 2026
  • Venue: The George Hotel, 19-21 George St, Edinburgh
  • Format: Welcome drink, 2-course lunch, and a half-bottle of wine per person
  • Pricing: £100 (Members) | £120 + VAT (Non-Members) | Corporate Tables of 10 (£1,200 + VAT)
  • Bookings: Reserve directly via Fanbase or email info@watsoniansrugby.com

PICTURED: Corey Hastings, Gavin Hastings, Kerry-Anne Hastings

Sotto welcomes back Ping On in aid of Dementia UK

The former Stockbridge favourite Ping On returned to its original home for one night only on Sunday 4th October, as Sotto celebrated its second birthday by recreating the much-loved Cantonese restaurant for an evening in aid of Dementia UK.

Ping On was a Stockbridge institution for 56 years, having first opened in the area in 1968 under the ownership of Kenny Mak. It went on to become a firm favourite with generations of Edinburgh locals before Sotto opened in its former premises in 2024, transforming the space into an Italian trattoria and enoteca.

To mark Sotto’s second birthday, owner James Clark brought Ping On back to the restaurant for one night, with the Sotto team temporarily swapping Italian cooking for some of the dishes that had made the restaurant a Stockbridge staple.

The menu featured Kenny’s family recipes, including sizzling ribs, spring rolls, lemon chicken, beef in black bean sauce, egg fried rice and banana fritters.

The evening brought together former Ping On customers returning to the restaurant, alongside Sotto regulars, with more than £4,000 raised for Dementia UK.

Charities collaborate to host a Ceilidh

A special charity dinner and ceilidh in Edinburgh this November will bring together two organisations with a shared ambition: giving children, young people and families the support they need to build brighter futures.

The Charity Dinner and Ceilidh in aid of Pregnancy Counselling & Care Scotland (PCCS) and Scran Academy will take place at Greyfriars Charteris Centre,138–140 Pleasance, Edinburgh, on Friday 20th November, from 6.30pm to 10.30pm.

The evening will combine a Scottish-themed two-course dinner prepared by young people from Scran Academy with live music from The Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, raising funds for two charities whose work complements each other in a uniquely powerful way.

PCCS supports people at the very beginning of the journey providing practical and emotional support during pregnancy, early parenthood and times of loss. Its Baby Bank provides essential items and equipment for babies and children up to the age of two, while its counselling service supports people experiencing challenges around fertility, pregnancy, birth, loss and early parenthood.

Scran Academy picks up the journey as those babies turn into young people, supporting those aged 11–25 who may face barriers to success. Through food and cooking young people develop confidence, practical skills, qualifications and meaningful work experience, helping them engage in education, employment and greater independence.

It is this connection that makes the two charities such a natural partnership.

“Together, PCCS and Scran Academy represent support at two crucial ends of a young person’s journey, from giving babies the best possible start and helping families through the early years, to supporting young people as they develop the confidence, skills and opportunities they need for adult life.” – Lucy Aitchison CEO of PCCS and Will Bain, CEO of Scran Academy.

PCCS has supported individuals and families across Edinburgh and the Lothians for almost 50 years. Its Baby Bank helps families facing financial hardship and other challenges to access essentials for their babies and young children, while its counselling service provides a safe, non-judgemental space at some of life’s most difficult moments.

Scran Academy takes a similarly holistic approach to young people. Its youth-led catering social enterprise uses food as a vehicle for learning, development and opportunity. Young people are involved in preparing food, running catering operations and developing their skills, gaining experience that can help them take their next steps in education, training or employment.

The result is a partnership that tells a bigger story about what communities can do when they invest in people from the earliest stages of life through to adulthood.

The fundraising ceilidh will also put that ethos into practice, with Scran Academy’s young people preparing the evening’s Scottish-themed meal demonstrating first-hand the skills, confidence and opportunities that support from the charity can create.

The event is an opportunity not only to raise vital funds, but also to celebrate community, food, music and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to thrive.

Guests are invited to bring their dancing shoes and enjoy an evening of food, live music and community spirit. The event is BYOB and there will also be a raffle on the night.

Ceilidh Flyer A5Download

Festival of Flowers at Blackhall St Columba’s Church

Blackhall St Columba’s Church are running a Festival of Flowers later this month – see flyer for details (above).

Callum set to take on Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon

Scot set to take on Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon this year in support of motor neuron disease charity 

Callum Steell, 34, will take on the Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon on 10 October  2026 in support of MND Scotland, and for his mother, Karen, who is living with motor  neuron disease. 

Callum lives with his wife, Clare, and works in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, for Charles  Tennant – a leading independent chemical manufacturer. 

In June 2024, Callum’s mother, Karen, was diagnosed with motor neuron disease  (MND).  

MND is a rapidly progressing terminal neurological illness, which stops signals from the  brain reaching the muscles. This causes muscle weakness and wasting. MND can rob  someone of the ability to walk, talk, swallow, and breathe.  

Speaking about his mother’s diagnosis, Callum said, “My mum had been struggling with  her speech and mobility for some time. It took about two and a half years of tests, and  various hospital and doctor appointments before they could get to the bottom of it.” 

MND affects everyone differently. A person may not develop all the symptoms, and  their symptoms may progress at a different rate to someone else with MND. 

Following her MND diagnosis, Karen made adaptations to her home, including her bed room and bathroom, to make things a bit easier going forward. She’s also had a recliner  installed at home, has been reviewing wheelchair options, and banked her voice. 

Callum said, “My mum is still able to get out and about and do plenty, which we are ex tremely grateful for, because we know others aren’t as fortunate. But we know how  quickly things can change.”  

In support of his mum and other families affected by MND, Callum will take on the GB  Ultra Marathon event from Glasgow to Edinburgh on 10 October to help raise funds for  MND Scotland.  

He said, “It starts at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow, just along from the West End,  and then heads out the canal roads and finishes at Saughton Sports Complex in Edinburgh.”

Callum has been following a vigorous training routine to help prepare for the challenge,  “I’m trying to build up the distance as much as possible each week. I’m currently running between 60km per week and at my peak the week out from the race, that will be up  to nearly 85km all in.

“This involves not only long-distance runs, but also strength sessions to keep the mus cles as strong as possible. Recovery also fits into that too, all the while balancing a busy  work and family life.” 

Callum will take in a total of 57miles (92km) and an elevation of 231m as part of the  challenge.  

Some of Callum’s friends from the gym he attends took part in the Ultra Marathon last  year in the hope of completing a personal challenge. This gave him the idea to take part  for his mum and to help raise vital funds for MND Scotland to help other families af fected by the disease and to support MND research. 

This isn’t the first time Callum has raised funds for MND Scotland. In 2025, he partici pated in and completed the Manchester Marathon and helped to raise £2,000 for MND  Scotland.  

Callum said, “I have had a personal trainer for the last couple of years now. I’ve always  been quite competitive, so I want to try and complete it in as best a time as possible. 

“My mum is always so proud that I’m taking on the challenge, which is so nice to hear.” 

MND Scotland would like to thank Callum for his support in the upcoming Glasgow to  Edinburgh Ultra Marathon and wish him the best of luck in his training. 

If you would like to support his challenge by donating, please visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/callum-steell-2

To make time count for families affected by MND by taking on your own challenge and  help raise funds, please visit www.mndscotland.org.uk or email:

fundraising@mnscotland.org.uk for more information.

Edge Paddleboard Minibus Fundraiser

50+ miles. Two days. Talented paddle boarding. One extraordinary team.

This Thursday and Friday , an incredible group of people supported by EDGE took on on a challenge that many would consider almost unimaginable — paddling more than 50 miles over two days on one Mega-SUP, while raising funds towards a much-needed mini van.

My brother Abdul-Wahid is turning the big 30 this October and is taking on a fundraising paddleboarding challenge for Edge! 🏄‍♂️

Edge has supported Abdul-Wahid through the pandemic, helping him find purpose, travel to dream destinations, make lifelong friends and learn new skills. More recently, they have supported him through the heartbreaking loss of our beloved father.

We’re incredibly grateful for everything Edge has done for him.

Please support Abdul-Wahid’s challenge if you can. ❤️

But this story isn’t really about how far they can paddle. It’s about what can happen when people are given the opportunity, encouragement and support to believe in themselves.

Over recent weeks, the team has trained tirelessly, developing teamwork, communication, resilience, coordination and problem-solving skills. They have faced difficult weather, adapted when plans changed and continued to work together towards their goal.

Their determination and commitment have been truly extraordinary.

The expedition is also raising vital funds towards a mini van for EDGE. Accessible transport would make an enormous difference to the people supported by the organisation, helping them access activities, connect with their local community, develop independence and enjoy opportunities that many of us simply take for granted.

We believe this deserves to be more than just a fundraising story. It is a story about inclusion, possibility and challenging perceptions — and about celebrating the remarkable achievements of people who are too often underestimated.

The team has already shown what they can achieve. Now they are ready to take on the water, together, as one crew.

We would be incredibly grateful if you would consider sharing their story with your readers and helping us raise awareness of both their incredible achievement and the importance of the mini-van fundraiser.

More information about the expedition can be found here:

https://www.edgegroupscotland.com/edge-to-edge-expedition

The fundraising page is here:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/edge-to-edge-expedition-10-years-of-going-further

They have trained. They have prepared. They have believed in themselves. Now it’s time to paddle. 🌊💙

Proud Big Sister Khadijah Shahid 

Underbelly raises £20,000 for Brain Cancer Research through Big Brain Tumour Benefit

  • The eighth annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit has raised £20,000 for groundbreaking research into new treatments for brain tumours.
  • Eight acts performed for this year’s benefit: Nish Kumar, Rosie Jones, Rhys James, Larry Dean, Catherine Bohart, Emmanuel Sonubi, Felicity Ward and Justin Moorhouse.

Underbelly announces the 8th Annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit has raised £20,000 for Professor Richard Gilbertson’s lab at The Cancer Research Centre in Cambridge, helping to fund new treatments for the most aggressive forms of brain tumours in children.

This year’s star-studded lineup included performances from Nish Kumar, Rhys James, Rosie Jones, Larry Dean, Catherine Bohart, Emmanuel Sonubi, Felicity Ward and Justin Moorhouse.

Underbelly created the Big Brain Tumour Benefit in 2017 following co-founder Ed Bartlam’s son Alfie being diagnosed with Ependymoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. Alfie passed away two years later, at the age of seven. 100% of the profits from the Big Brain Tumour Benefit will be donated to Professor Richard Gilbertson’s lab to fund brain cancer research.

Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder said: I am so grateful to everyone who attended Underbelly’s 8th annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit last night, and to the fantastic line up of comedians who gave their time and talent to make it such a success.

“It’s incredible that as a community we have raised more than £20,000, with all of the funds going to Professor Richard Gilbertson’s lab and directly funding cutting-edge tumour prevention and treatment.

“The Big Brain Tumour Benefit is always such a special night, and together we can continue to raise vital funds that save lives.”

Professor Richard Gilbertson said: “We are truly excited and humbled by the amazing partnership with Underbelly and Angel Child. Everyday, we work to end the devastation caused to children and their families by brain tumours.

“We will accept nothing less than total eradication of these devastating childhood cancers. Thanks to the support we have already received we are about to take a completely new therapy to the clinic.

“We could not have done this without Underbelly and Angel Child. Together with our collaborators, we have developed a number of other, completely new and kinder treatments, taking us even closer the day when no child will suffer or die from a brain tumour.

Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in people under 40. They shorten life expectancy by an average of 27 years, the most of any cancer. Despite this, brain tumour research is underfunded compared to many other cancers.

The principal aim of Professor Richard Gilbertson’s Lab is to improve the accuracy of brain tumour classification and treatment, with a particular focus on children’s brain tumours.

Their research involves conducting genomic analyses of brain tumours to identify cancer-causing abnormalities, and using that knowledge to develop effective new cancer cures through clinical trials of molecular targeted therapies.

Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit is a one-night-only show. For more information on the wider programme for the remainder of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, please visit the website here.

Big names announced for Underbelly’s 8th Annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit

  • Underbelly announces 8 acts for the Big Brain Tumour Benefit: Nish Kumar, Rhys James, Rosie Jones, Larry Dean, Catherine Bohart, Emmanuel Sonubi, Felicity Ward and Justin Moorhouse.
  • Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit takes place on Wednesday 19 August, 7pm at McEwan Hall, Underbelly Bristo Square.
  • All box office income (less VAT and commissions) will be donated to Professor Richard Gilbertson’s Lab at The Cancer Research Centre in Cambridge, helping to fund new treatments for the most aggressive forms of brain tumours in children.
  • Underbelly’s Big Brain Benefit shows have to date raised over £200,000, contributing to over £800,000 raised by Underbelly and Ed & Lucinda Bartlam’s Angel Child Fund since its inception.

Underbelly announces a line-up of comedy acts for the 8th annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit. The event will take place at 7:00pm in the McEwan Hall on Wednesday 19 August.

Starring in this year’s show is critically acclaimed comic Nish Kumar, Mock the Week regular Rhys James, award-winning stand-up comedian Rosie Jones, comic and SNL UK cast member Larry Dean.

They will be joined by Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Show nominees, Emmanuel Sonubi (Live at the Apollo) and Irish stand-up comedian and radio host Catherine Bohart (TL;DR, BBC Radio 4). Australian comedian and actress, Felicity Ward (Spicks and Specks, Thank God You’re Here) will also make an appearance. The event will be hosted by stand-up comedian and radio DJ Justin Moorhouse.

The show was created by Underbelly in 2017 following the diagnosis of an aggressive and rare form of brain cancer called Ependymoma in Alfie Bartlam, the son of Underbelly’s co-founder Ed Bartlam. Alfie sadly died, aged 7, three days after the end of the festival in 2019.

Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and adults under 40. They shorten life expectancy by an average of 27 years, the most of any cancer. Despite this, brain tumour research is underfunded compared to many other cancers.

Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder said: “It’s always such a special moment for us to announce the line-up to Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit.

“I’m incredibly grateful to the brilliant comedians and audiences for continuing to generously support this event. This year’s show marks the start of an incredibly exciting new fundraising drive for us, supporting the work of world-leading oncologist Professor Richard Gilbertson and his lab at the Cancer Research Centre in Cambridge.

“Underbelly and our wider Angel Child Fund will be fundraising for two new, groundbreaking projects that Professor Gilbertson and his team are working on to find cures for brain tumours in children. There is genuinely no better person for us (and you the audience!) to be supporting in this field and we’re thrilled to launch this partnership at the show this year.”

Festival goers can purchase tickets for Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit today at: underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/events/event/underbellys-big-brain-tumour-benefit-25

PICTURED: Rosie Jones (Top Left), Nish Kumar (Credit: Matt Stronge, Top Right), Rhys James (Credit: Matt Crockett, Bottom Left), Catherine Bohart (Bottom Right).

Sign up for Portobello Beach Race

SUNDAY 30th AUGUST at 10am

🌊🏃 Portobello Beach Race 2026 🏃‍♀️🌊

Join Portobello Running Club on Sunday 30 August at 10:00am for four miles of racing along Portobello Beach at low tide.

Every finisher will receive a bespoke wooden Portobello Beach Race keyring as a lasting memento of the day.

All proceeds will support two fantastic good causes:

❤️ Equal access to sporting enrichment activities at Towerbank Primary School
❤️ Fresh Start, helping people who have experienced homelessness establish themselves in their new homes

There is plenty more to look forward to:

🏆 £50 Up & Running vouchers for both our male and female winners
🎁 More fantastic winners’ prizes
🎉 A huge variety of spot prizes, giving runners throughout the field the chance to win
🎟️ A raffle featuring more than £400 worth of prizes
🍰 A delicious community bake sale

The race is friendly, inclusive and welcoming to runners of all abilities. Come along to race, support brilliant local causes and enjoy a fantastic morning on the beach!

Entry is £10:

https://www.entrycentral.com/Portobello-Beach-Race

Please share the event and help us make this year’s Portobello Beach Race our best yet!