Tag: charity fundraiser

Take On Edinburgh’s Most Unique Aquathlon: 2026 Victorian Pool Crawl Applications Open

75 Participants Sought for Charity Challenge Across Five Victorian Pools This Easter Monday

Who’s ready for their next adventure? Edinburgh Leisure is calling on spirited individuals for the 2026 Victorian Pool Crawl!

It’s a one-of-a-kind aquathlon-style charity fundraiser, taking place on Easter Monday, 6th April 2026, across the city’s five beautiful Victorian swimming pools. Challengers will swim in each pool and then walk to the next, in doing so covering a half-marathon distance whilst raising essential funds for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme.

Applications are now open for one of the 75 available places.

Event Details & Registration

Participants will swim up to 1 km at each of the five Victorian pools walk a total of 16 km, in one challenging, inspiring day. Each applicant is asked to secure a minimum of £350 in donations, with all proceeds supporting Active Communities, Edinburgh Leisure’s charity programme which supports people with barriers to being active.

Once accepted, a £20 registration fee secures your spot on the Pool Crawl. Every participant will receive an exclusive event t-shirt, swim cap, locker token, swim training plan, finisher’s goody bag, and entry to a prize draw for a year’s Edinburgh Leisure Swim Membership.

Why Support Active Communities?

Yearly, over 14,700 local people benefit from Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme, which offers activities and support to those facing poverty, disabilities, health challenges, and other inequalities.

This Easter Monday, your efforts will help create healthier, more active lives for our neighbours who need it most.

“Active Communities is at the heart of our mission to transform Edinburgh’s health and wellbeing. Every year we help thousands of people across the city overcome barriers to being active by accessing the support and activities they need for a healthier life” says Rachael McCrea, Head of Funding.

“The Victorian Pool Crawl is not only a celebration of our city’s heritage pools, but also a vital fundraiser. We’re excited to welcome a new group of participants to make a real difference this year.”

Returning participant Marek Bernat told us, “Completing the final lane last year was tough, but extremely rewarding.

“We all knew our efforts would help fund local community programmes, and that was a true highlight. It’s an unforgettable challenge.”

Lara’s winter runs bring in over £500 for British Liver Trust 

When days get shorter and temperatures drop, the natural inclination for most of us is to stay indoors and keep warm. Lara Campana, however, decided it was time to set herself the challenge of keeping active and outdoors by taking on two fundraising runs and raising £582 for the British Liver Trust! 

“I’m one of the co-founders of Resolution Theraputics, based at Edinburgh University and have worked in liver disease research for over 10 years now.

I’ve seen first-hand the challenges and stigmas which patients in this community and their families endure. The British Liver Trust is there advocating for them, day in and day out; they are amazing partners to help people navigate this scary disease. So, when I took on a winter fitness challenge, it made perfect sense to support their work at the same time.” 

Lara opted for two races, the Forth Road Bridge 5K in November and the Edinburgh 10K on December 7. 

“I love being outside in all weathers, but it didn’t stop me catching back-to-back chest infections which have made training slightly more challenging!” she says. “However, I’m really pleased to have completed both runs and to have smashed my fundraising target!”   

Audrey Cornelius, Director of Fundraising at the British Liver Trust said: “As a charity, we are leading the fight against liver disease and liver cancer. We reach over two million people each year; providing information and support to patients and families and providing vital advice to help people improve their liver health. 

“But there is still so much to be done. Liver disease is the only major disease in the UK where death rates are rising, and we want to change that.

“So we’re very grateful to Lara for braving the cold and taking on these two runs – we hope she enjoyed the experience!” 

You can still support Lara’s fundraising at Lara Campana is fundraising for British Liver Trust 

Sands’ Starlight Walk returns to Edinburgh for bereaved families touched by pregnancy or baby loss

Tickets are now available for Starlight Walk at Holyrood Park, Edinburgh on Saturday 1 November, in aid of Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity. 

Starlight Walk follows a 6km route through the beautiful Holyrood Park and is an opportunity for anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss, however recently or longer ago, to remember their much-loved babies by joining this lantern-lit walk alongside other bereaved parents and families. 

Parents taking part in the Starlight Walk have spoken about why they are doing this and what it means to them.

Bereaved mum, Michelle said: “My angel, Ava Lilly, gained her wings on 1 October 2011. A day that should have been a celebration of her life had overnight turned into my world falling apart. I had a perfect pregnancy, other than her being small, there were no issues, and when she was placed in my arms, she was the perfect little baby.

“Every anniversary I always wonder what she would be like and hate that this was taken from me. I take part in the Sands Starlight Walk for all our babies, because I know that every angel was too perfect for this world, and to be among others that have been through the same gives me comfort and peace knowing I’m not alone in this journey.”

Registration on the day opens from 3pm in the South Hall Complex, University of Edinburgh, EH16 5AR.

The 6km walk begins at 4pm and will take you from South Hall, into Holyrood Park and around Arthur’s Seat, returning to South Hall where you’ll receive your Starlight Walk medal and refreshments.  

Once at 150 metres elevation, the walkers will be able to take in the incredible views of Edinburgh City Centre, looking out towards Duddington Loch, before heading back under magical starlight with their lanterns and torches shining brightly.    

Tickets are £17.00 for adults, £12.00 for children (under 16) and free for children under 3 and are now available to purchase online.  

Everyone that registers will receive a paper lantern and LED candle to carry on the walk, a walking memory card to wear with pride, a Starlight Walkmedal once they have crossed the finish line, and a well-earned tea or coffee and cake in reception with an opportunity to add to our wall of remembrance.  

Sands’ Events Fundraising Manager, Liz Williams said: “For those that are unable to attend the event in Edinburgh on 1 November, there is also a Virtual Starlight Walk taking place which can be completed anywhere in the UK on 7 December, on your own or with a loved one.

“Sign up for free and stroll through the countryside, march through the town or simply let your feet lead the way as you walk either 5 or 10km for Sands. Like starlight itself, the love for our babies is endless, and together we will walk through the darkness and find the light.”  

Every day 13 babies die before, during or shortly after birth. Sands works to understand where and why babies die and why some women and babies are more at risk than others. 

Sands is determined to save every life it can and ensure the right care and support is there for every bereaved family, whenever and wherever they need it. 

For further information on Sands’ Starlight Walk visit: 

https://fundraising.sands.org.uk/starlight-walk  

For further information on Sands’ Starlight Walk at Home: 

Sands Virtual Starlight Walk

Strictly Come Dancing star JJ Chalmers gears up for 10th anniversary of Poppyscotland’s popular Sportive

Television presenter and Strictly Come Dancing contestant JJ Chalmers is backing Poppyscotland’s upcoming Sportive as the charity celebrates the 10th anniversary of the popular event.

The former Royal Marines Commando and Invictus Games Medallist is encouraging individuals, families, local groups or workmates to support the Armed Forces charity by signing up to take part in the cycle, which will take place this year on Sunday, September 21.

The Sportive is Poppyscotland’s flagship cycling event, featuring four routes designed for different ability levels. It is split into two distinct types – the Classic (46, 68 and 102 miles) and the Wee Yin (22 miles).

As in previous years, riders will line up at the starting point in Prestonpans, East Lothian, then head along the historic coastal route to North Berwick, where Classic route participants will face a timed hill climb before reaching the first feed station at East Linton.

From there, the short route continues to Gifford, while medium and long routes head towards Garvald before splitting at Whiteadder Reservoir, with the longer challenge heading to Duns and medium returning to Gifford. All routes finish in Prestonpans.

New for 2025, the Wee Yin route will take cyclists inland to Gullane before heading back towards Aberlady and then on to the coastal path. This route is largely flat and ideal for anyone wanting a family activity, looking for an easy ride, or a fun, challenging activity to do at the weekend.

Television personality JJ suffered life-changing injuries after being blown up by an IED in Afghanistan. After months of rehabilitation, he went on to captain the trike team at the Invictus Games, receiving a gold medal in the men’s IRecB1 Recumbent Circuit Race. He also won bronze in the 1-mile time trial and in the 4 x 100 mixed relay race.

JJ is a big supporter of Poppyscotland and is urging people to come out and take part in the 10th edition of Sportive.

He said: “Once again this year I am working with the national charity Poppyscotland, who of course support the Armed Forces community whether that’s serving or veteran or indeed their families, and I would love to encourage you to sign up for their really popular Sportive.

“It’s a cycling event taking place on Sunday 21st September. There are four different routes, so it’s for all abilities and there’s something there for everyone.

“I would encourage you to get your friends, family involved. Maybe get your old oppos (your mates from the military) together and it’s the 10th anniversary so the perfect opportunity to come and join an amazing community. So, if you are interested head over to the website poppyscotland.org.uk/sportive.”

Poppyscotland Events Fundraising Manager, Richard Todd, said: “We’re really excited to celebrate the 10th edition of the Sportive and to grow the event with our new Wee Yin route. 

“We hope to mark this anniversary year by raising as much as possible in support of our Armed Forces community, and we would be delighted if those signing up to take part would also consider setting up fundraising pages and challenging themselves with a donation target.

“As little as £100 goes a long way in helping us to provide much needed support to both serving and ex-servicemen, women and their families in areas like housing, debt, mental health, and mobility.

“If fundraising is not for you, perhaps when you register you’d consider adding a £10 donation per rider. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference!”

Entry for our Classic routes is £40 per rider (minimum age: 16). The Wee Yin route is £25 per rider or £40 per family (2 adults & 2 children). Minimum age is 12 and entry is free for riders under 16.

Entry Includes: Electronic timing; mechanical support; food and water stations; coffee at the start; Tea & Toast at the finish; ‘King and Queen of The Heugh’ timed hill climb; sweeper service and a finishers gift.

To sign up today, please visit: poppyscotland.org.uk/sportive

Vintage Vibes organises Edinburgh’s first Cake Grab

We’re doing it! On Sunday 18th May, from 1pm to 3:30pm at Leonardo Hotel, Murrayfield we will be hosting Edinburgh’s first Cake Grab to raise funds to tackle local loneliness. 🍰

This unique event, hosted by Vintage Vibes, brings together 100 local people to create the ultimate cake-sharing experience.

HOW IT WORKS

🧁 100 brilliant bakers will each bring a homemade cake to share.

🧁 Our VIP judges, members of Vintage Vibes Community, will award prizes for the most exciting and unusual cakes.

🧁 Then, the fun begins! Each guest will receive a box and a set time limit to grab as many different slices as possible.

🧁 No cake left behind! Once time’s up, any remaining cake becomes a free-for-all—so pace yourself wisely!

But it’s not just about the thrill of dashing for cake. Throughout the afternoon, you can chat all things baking, enjoy eating your chosen treats, take part in fantastic raffles and games, and even grab a drink at the on-site bar. All whilst making a difference to Edinburgh’s most isolated older people.

🎟 DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND 🎟

We’ve had so much interest in this event and limited ticket numbers, so we are announcing the time and date that the tickets go on sale in ADVANCE!

Tickets will go on sale on our website https://vintagevibes.org.uk/support/ at 11am on Saturday 26th April.

Tickets will be first come, first served but you can book multiple tickets in one go. Add a reminder to your diary now!

🤩 Practical Bits and Bobs 🤩

✅ Yes, there is free parking and good bus connections

✅ Yes, bakers of all levels welcome

✅ Yes, if there are enough bakers we will have tables for Gluten Free and Vegan cakes

✅ Yes, it is a fully accessible venue

Please help us spread the word by sharing with friends and fellow cake lovers! 🥰

Bake Sale at Granton Community Garden

WEDNESDAY 27 NOVEMBER from 1 – 4pm

NEXT Wednesday afternoon, a group are running this bake sale, as a fundraiser for a local disabled person.

Donations of baked treats are welcome and can be brought along on the day..

We’ll also have our regular gardening club open drop-in (1-4pm) and free lunch at 2pm. Dress for the weather!

Later at 5pm, we’ll also have our regular monthly community meal with the Scran Van. Free, all welcome! (Weds 27th Nov)

The Stand to host comedy night in aid of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

8th DECEMBER at 8pm

The Stand are hosting a comedy night in aid of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home – don’t miss out! 📢

On the 8th December at 8pm, join host Liam Withnail and special guests Bee Babylon, Robin Grainger and headliner Fred MacAulay for a night of laughter and fundraising. 🐶

Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/40CgF2M

Friday: Charity Match at Spartans

 Join Us for a Charity Football Match in Support of Spartans Alternative School! 

We are excited to invite you to a special charity football match in support of Spartans Alternative School and the Spartans Community Foundation—two incredible causes dedicated to empowering at-risk youth.

Date: Friday 27th September 2024
Time: 2:00 PM Kick-off
Location: Ainslie Park Stadium, 92 Pilton Dr, Edinburgh EH5 2HF

This event is extra special because it’s being organized by the Art Offenders, with the project managed by one of the talented students at Spartans Alternative School. The match promises to be an unforgettable showdown as The Young Team takes on The Auld Team, with a couple of special guests, including renowned chef Tom Kitchen, joining the fun on the pitch. It’s youth vs. experience in a game filled with competitive spirit and community camaraderie!

All proceeds from the event will go towards the construction of a brand-new youth work building on the grounds of the Spartans Community Foundation. 

This new facility will be a vital space for education, mentoring, and community support, helping to transform the lives of young people in our community.

Ticket Prices:

  • Main Pass: £6
  • VIP: £10
  • Under 16s: £3
  • Under 10s: Free

VIP Experience:

Upgrade to a VIP ticket and enjoy exclusive access to the Robertson Trust Suite, where you can watch the game in comfort. The VIP room will feature a private DJ—one of our talented students—who will set the perfect atmosphere.

Guests will also enjoy food and refreshments and have the opportunity to mingle with our special guests, including Tom Kitchen.

What to expect:

  • High-energy football action between The Young Team and The Auld Team
  • Special guest appearances, including Tom Kitchen
  • A raffle with fantastic prizes from season tickets to gym passes and more.
  • Students Art pop up shop
  • Bake sales and fun activities for the entire family
  • Wet sponge bonanza for project manager Emma Easton and Youth work manager Kenny Cameron

By attending, you’ll be supporting Spartans Alternative School, the Spartans Community Foundation, and the incredible work being done by the Art Offenders. Your contribution will help build a brighter future for local youth.

Get your tickets now: https://app.fanbaseclub.com/Fan/Tickets/SelectType?fixtureId=7312

Let’s come together to score big for our community—your support can help make a lasting impact!

See you at the game !

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