SAVE THE DATE: SUNDAY 13th JULY at LEONARDO MURRAYFIELD
Exciting announcement! After a couple of technical challenges our Cake Grab Event will be taking place on Sunday 13th July at the Leonardo Murrayfield (great parking and public transport).
What’s a cake grab? 100 lovely local folks bring 100 amazing homemade cakes and we all spend the afternoon stuffing our faces, chatting, playing games, drinking tea and having a great time whilst doing good.
Tickets will be a £10 donation to Vintage Vibes to tackle local loneliness in older people. For now, save the date!
A brave dad who was forced to flee his home in Ukraine is hoping to conquer his fear of heights by abseiling down Scotland’s largest equine sculptures to raise funds for Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity.
Children First trustee Lloyd Gwishiri is terrified of heights, but says he is curious about abseiling down the Kelpies, having never yet seen them in real life.
After his family was forced to flee their home in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2022, Lloyd has personal experience of how trauma can deeply impact children.
Lloyd Gwishiri, Trustee for Children 1st
Lloyd added: “The experience of leaving Ukraine was quite traumatising for anyone who went through it at the time. It was hard going through the steps of moving from country to country via public transport. It was quite intense.”
He eventually settled in Brechin, Angus with his family and has been keen to get involved in more fundraising work after becoming active within the local community.
After joining the Children First as a board member nine months ago, Lloyd said taking on the Kelpies would be a “fun and interesting adventure”.
The exciting challenge 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, Lloyd will then free hang abseil or descend via the quick flight rope drop back down to the ground.
Limited spaces are still available and Lloyd is calling on other daredevils to join him.
Lloyd said: “I’m terrified of heights! But I’m quite curious to abseil the Kelpies. I’ve seen photographs of the Kelpies, I’ve been planning to go there but I’ve never seen the Kelpies in person.
“It seems like it is going to be a fun and interesting adventure both to meet more people within Children First. I’m really looking forward to the experience.”
Lloyd’s experience as a member of the Children First board of trustees motivated him to sign up, so that he can raise vital funds to continue protecting Scotland’s children and keep them safe from harm.
Lloyd added: “I know the challenges Children First are facing to raise funds, so that was reason enough for me to participate and do whatever else I can for the charity.
“So many children and families tell us that the support they get from Children First is a lifeline. I want to do all I can to make sure that every child who desperately needs the charity’s help can get it.”
Mary Glasgow said: “Climbing the iconic Kelpies will be an experience like no other and we are delighted that our board member Lloyd is taking on the 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.
“Every penny raised by Lloyd and his fellow Children First Kelpies champions will help change a child’s life. If you can join them, please sign up today. Together we can give children the help they need to enjoy a safer brighter future.”
Six mums from the Midlothian area are climbing the Kelpies to raise funds for Scotland’s national children’s charity.
The brave mums are taking on the challenge of a lifetime, having had first-hand experience of the life-changing difference the charity can make to children and their families.
Children First provides practical, emotional and financial support to thousands of children and families across Scotland through its national support line and in their homes, schools and communities.
The Children First Midlothian support group, which helps families move on together from a range of challenges has been a “lifeline” for the mums and their families.
The group focuses on wellbeing activities and the power of community support to help parents having a tough time to overcome challenges like isolation, make friends and gain confidence.
Rachel,who used to come to the group with her mum before she sadly passed away last year has recently returned for support.Now she is excited to take on the amazing Kelpies Challenge with her friends and Charles Graham, a Children First support worker.
Rachel said: “The group has been a lifeline to us and helps me get out of the house.”
Donna shared: “We love the group – it means the world to me and to all of us. It’s amazing and so are the Children First team who run it.”
Georgina says: “Children First means a lot to me and my kids. This group has been great for me, it’s encouraged me to get out and about and the ladies have been such a great support.”
Lyndsay added: “When I think about climbing the Kelpies I get nervous but then I remind myself that it can’t be worse than all I’ve been through!”
Laura shared: “I enjoy coming to the group to get connection with other women who understand.”
Margaretrose Graham from Children First who runs the group with colleague Charles shared: “I used to attend a support group like this a few years ago and now I’m running this one in Midlothian.
“I’ve seen the group thrive through thick and thin, and it has been an incredible support to so many families over the years. At Children First we believe when parents do well so do children and that’s why we run support groups like this one.
“When life is tough and you are feeling isolated and alone, being supported by people in your local community can really make all the difference. This group has helped so many parents and carers to build their confidence and emotional wellbeing so that they and their families can thrive.
“If you can, please support Children First to help us give children and families across Scotland a brighter future.”
Four of the women are also running in the Edinburgh Marathon Relay Race later this month to boost funds further for Children First.
If you’re interested in conquering the world’s largest equine sculptures, there are still limited places available!
You can sign up here and find out more about how to get involved in Children First’s fundraising events here: www.childrenfirst.org.uk/events or call 0345 10 80 111.
Paul and Meghan Godsman will take part in bp’s Coast 2 Coast cycle in aid of Simpsons Special Care Babies in Edinburgh
A couple whose baby son was born nine weeks early are to take part in a Scottish cycling challenge to raise money for the charity which supported them after his premature arrival.
Paul and Meghan Godsman, whose baby Blake, was born in May 2024, will be part of a 70 strong peloton for the bp Coast 2 Coast cycle in support of Simpsons Special Care Babies at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE).
Paul, an offshore wind engineer at bp, based in Edinburgh, has completed the annual cycle twice before but Meghan is cycling for the first time. He said: “Although I’ve completed Coast 2 Coast a couple of times prior and seen the incredible amounts of money raised for charity,
I’ve never had that personal connection with the charity before but this year I’ll be cycling in a totally different headspace.”
Meghan added: “When I first went into labour, Paul was with two members of the bp Coast 2 Coast committee cycling in Inverness so it seems fitting that we will now cycle together with Paul’s colleagues to help raise funds for the charity that saved Blake’s life.”
After Blake was born, he was admitted to the Simpson Neonatal Unit at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he stayed for nine weeks. Facilities available in the unit meant the couple could also stay there for four weeks, allowing them to be close to their son whilst he was in a critical condition.
The Neonatal Unit is supported by Simpsons Special Care Babies (SSCB), a charity that exists to enhance the support and advice provided by the NHS to families of babies admitted to the unit from across the country.
Paul explained how critical SSCB’s support was for them as parents, as well as crediting bp with allowing him to have extended neonatal care leave while Blake was in hospital: “As much as the neonatal unit is there to care for the babies, there is a huge support need for parents who are navigating this terrifying experience,” he said.
“We were so grateful to stay in one of two parent rooms on the neonatal ward for the first four weeks of Blake’s life when we really needed it. It meant we could wake up and walk along the corridor to be beside him.
“If we’d been driving home to Linlithgow every night, we’d have been an hour away from the hospital should anything happen. That would have put an even bigger strain on us.
“Our goal is to raise money to help the unit improve its support for parents, refurbish family rooms and facilities and buy specialist equipment.
“I was also extremely grateful to my employer bp, which allowed me to have extended leave so I could be with my wife and son while he was being cared for in hospital.”
One in seven babies born in the UK are admitted to a neonatal unit each year due to being born prematurely (before 37 weeks) or full term (after 37 weeks) but requiring specialist lifesaving support.
Meghan explained how the couple’s experience has changed their outlook and inspired them to support the charity that helped them: “We were naive to the reality of what it felt like to have a baby in the neonatal unit and we were shocked to learn how common this is for families.
“Before Blake was born, we hadn’t realised there are only three centres of excellence in Scotland for babies requiring complex specialist care and people from across the country must travel to come to these centres in Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen.
“Now that Blake is out of hospital and doing well, we want to support the charity that gave him life and make sure other parents who find themselves in a similar position can receive the same support we did and go on to experience parenthood like we are now.”
The 234-mile cycle will take place over three days from 6 June 2025. The endurance challenge, now in its 16th year, has raised more than £2million pounds for charity.
The cycle which will pass through Aberfeldy, Grantown on Spey and the Lecht this June will raise funds for four charities including Russell Anderson Foundation, the Teddy Bear Development Playgroup and Murtle Market by Camphill School, as well as Simpsons Special Care Babies.
The challenge is open to cyclists of all abilities with individuals covering their own accommodation and food costs. Each cyclist has a fundraising target of £1,000 and the total fundraising is split between the four charities.
The group is mainly made up of bp employees as well as bp alumni, representatives from the chosen charities and local organisations. Any money raised by bp employees will be matched by the bp Foundation – doubling the value of their contributions.
Emma Coffey, trustee at Simpsons Special Care Babies, said: “We can’t thank Paul and Meghan and the Coast 2 Coast team enough for selecting SSCB as one of the charities to benefit from this year’s fundraising. It’s thanks to supporters like them that our specialised staff can continue to provide care for the 750 families who attend the neonatal unit each year.
“Voluntary donations and fundraising are crucial for SSCB and this donation will help us purchase new specialist equipment such as the latest video laryngoscopes, which allow our staff to better visualise the airways of extremely small babies when inserting breathing tubes. This improves time, comfort and safety and ultimately helps save lives.
“We wish all the riders the best of luck and look forward to hearing how they get on.”
To sponsor one of the four Coast 2 Coast charities, you can select your preferred cause and click the link below:
If you consider yourself a bit of a comedian, and you’re passionate about mental health then our new Ultra comedy events might be for you!
Sign up to receive 8 weeks free training from a professional comic put on a side-splitting performance in front of friends and family, all while raising vital funds to support mental health.
They say laughter is the best medicine, but we know that taking on a challenge that builds confidence is great for self-esteem and wellbeing.
You’ll be joining a community of likeminded people, forming new connections and making memories that you can look back on with a smile.
The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) Presidential Initiative, headed up by President George Lyon, Vice Presidents; Margo McGill Scott, Andrew Malcolm, Rob Wainwright, Lord George Robertson and Chaplain Isabell Montgomerie, have announced a spectacular lineup of silent and live auction prizes ahead of their much-anticipated charity dinner to be held on the 21st March in the impressive Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre in Linwood.
The event will raise vital funds that will be divided between RHASS partner charities; the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs’ (SAYFC) Big Build, the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET), RSABI, and Farmstrong Scotland.
This year’s Presidential Team, representing Strathclyde, has curated a unique selection of over 75 auction prizes designed to appeal to a wide audience, from luxury seekers to sports enthusiasts and those in the agricultural community.
Among the standout prizes are:
Luxury experiences: An exclusive helicopter ride, a four-ball at Gleneagles, a three ball at Turnberry with afternoon tea, overnight accommodation and a luxury car to drive there, and various luxury breaks across Scotland.
Exclusive sports memorabilia: Signed football and rugby tops from Celtic, Rangers, and Glasgow Warriors – a must-have for passionate fans.
Agricultural prizes: A vintage plough, straws of sexed semen from Worldwide Sires, and 18 doses of private semen from some of the most sought-after Texel rams in the UK and Texel embryos from Hugh Blackwood & Son.
Whisky collectors’ dream: A Johnnie Walker Blue Label 200th Anniversary Cask Strength 60.5 abv NV with a baccarat glass decanter, stopper and booklet and leather presentation case, and cask of Kilchoman whisky.
George Lyon, RHASS President, said: “The Strathclyde Presidential Team has worked hard to bring together an incredible range of auction prizes that reflect the best of Scotland’s heritage, sport, and agriculture.
“I would like to personally thank our sponsors who have given so generously to the auction. We encourage everyone to head to the online auction site to place their bids and support our chosen charities, which carry out so much valuable work in our rural communities.”
Ewan Andrew President, Diageo Supply Chain & Procurement, one of the auction’s generous donors, also shared their excitement: “We are immensely proud to support the RHASS Presidential Initiative and its efforts to raise vital funds for such impactful charities.
“At Diageo, we are proud to support the communities in which we operate. This event not only showcases Scotland’s rich heritage and agricultural excellence but also highlights the importance of collaboration and community spirit.
“We are thrilled to contribute with our unique auction prize and look forward to seeing the positive difference this initiative will make.”
The silent auction opened for bids yesterday (Friday 21 February), allowing participants the opportunity to secure these exclusive prizes while supporting various excellent causes.
Bids will be placed confidentially via an online platform. At the close of the auction, the highest bid for each item will win, and the successful bidders will be notified.
Bidding will close at 11pm on 21 March 2025.
Bids for the live auction prizes can also be placed online and they will be used as the starting bid on the night.
The charity dinner, one of four high-profile events hosted by the Strathclyde Presidential Team, will be a key highlight in their year-long initiative, which will culminate at the 2025 Royal Highland Show.
The major sponsors of the dinner are Diageo, Dunbia Highland Meats, Parks Motor Group, Malcolm Group, and Loch Fyne. There are still a few tickets available for the dinner.
Throughout their tenure, the team has used its year as a platform to showcase how agriculture is leading the way in developing new solutions to support Scotland’s journey to net zero.
Limitless DMC team members, Angela Inglis, Geoff Crow, and Pamela Badham, successfully completed the 20-mile Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday 15th of September, raising £4,751 in support of ForRefugees.
The funds will go directly towards vital initiatives to support refugees across Europe, with the team aiming to reach a final fundraising target of £5,000.
The money raised will support several key initiatives led by ForRefugees over the next few months.
In Athens, the charity will provide language lessons and vocational training for refugees aged 18-25, equipping them with essential skills to rebuild their lives.
Additionally, a mobile ‘free clothes’ shop will be established, providing clothing to those in need. The funds will also be used to provide food vouchers in Lithuania. These three initiatives are estimated to assist approximately 5,000 people in total.
Angela Inglis, Director at Limitless DMC,has a personal connection to ForRefugees, having travelled to Greece last year with the charity’s founder, Amber Bauer.
During her visit, she witnessed the challenging conditions in refugee camps, an experience that further fuelled her commitment to raising awareness and support for the cause.
Angela said:“Completing the Kiltwalk was a challenging experience, but it’s nothing compared to the hardships that refugees face daily. Every pound we raise makes a direct impact on their lives.”
Directors Geoff Crow and Pamela Badham joined Angela on this journey, driven by the desire to contribute to the charity’s meaningful work.
Pamela Badham, Director at Limitless DMC, said:“We’ve been inspired by the resilience of the people ForRefugees helps. Being able to contribute to their efforts in a tangible way is incredibly rewarding.”
As the team seeks to reach their £5,000 fundraising goal, they invite further support from the community. Donations can be made via their GiveMatch page, where contributions will be matched to maximise the impact of each donation.
The funds raised will have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of refugees and displaced individuals, providing educational opportunities, essential clothing, and food security to those who need it most.
Eleven Edinburgh boxers have punched above their weight by raising nearly £3,000 for a local children’s charity.
The mixed gender group from Lochend Boxing Club, aged 26 to 60, completed a hike up the Lairig Ghru, the best-known hill pass in Scotland, in just over nine hours.
The 19-mile walk climbs to an altitude of 835 metres and crosses through the central Cairngorms, one of the wildest areas in the country.
Following the club’s hike up Ben Nevis last year, Saturday’s mammoth fundraising effort was led by local mum Ciara O’Connor, whose son attends The Yard.
The Yard works with children and young people aged 0-25 with Additional Support Needs through adventure play sessions in Edinburgh, Dundee and Kirkcaldy.
The service offers creative and inclusive play experiences in a well-supported environment, alongside wraparound support for the whole family, with a varied programme of drop-in, respite and transition youth clubs, early years, specialist sessions with schools, family play sessions, plus inclusive play and disability training.
Ciara said: “I’ve been boxing since I moved to Edinburgh just over 10 years ago and, from my very first visit, found Lochend Boxing Club so supportive and welcoming. It’s a club for everyone, enjoyed by people of all fitness levels and from all walks of life.
“They work around their members, adjusting training where required and making it work for you. I even boxed when I was pregnant and formed many great friendships through the club.
“The Yard, in some ways, is the same. It’s such a welcoming, non-judgemental space and has made a huge difference to my son and our family, so we wanted to give back as a club.
“The training has been a huge commitment, with some very early morning training walks in all weather across the Pentlands, various Munros and the West Highland Way. However, everyone has rallied around and supported us.
“Their response is a testament to the values of the club, that constant support and encouragement. I’m very grateful to everyone who donated and know the money will make a huge difference to The Yard, and the many other families who have come to rely on their kindness.”
Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer of The Yard, added, “We love nothing more than receiving positive feedback from our families, so when they choose to support our charity through fundraising, it’s really special, and we’re exceptionally grateful.
“The Yard is all about community, support and enjoying life’s adventures and Ciara and her fellow boxers encapsulate these values. Thanks again for supporting us, Lochend Boxing Club!”
To donate to Ciara and the club’s campaign, please visit:
9,100 Kiltwalk Heroes raised funds for 800 charities
9,100 Kiltwalk Heroes took over the capital today in the biggest-ever Edinburgh Kiltwalk, with 802 different Scottish charities already benefitting from every penny and pound raised. The fundraising total stood at £1.3 million at 9 am, as 3,700 smiling walkers, many of them sporting a touch of tartan, set off from the magnificent Holyrood Park.
Another 3,100 walkers took on the 11-mile Big Stroll from Fisherrow Links, Musselburgh, while 2,300 embarked on the 5-mile Wee Wander from Victoria Park. All participants completed their tartan-clad journey at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium finish line.
The Hunter Foundation, which underwrites the Kiltwalk, ensures it remains Scotland’s most affordable platform for charities to raise crucial funds. Sir Tom Hunter of The Hunter Foundation joined the walkers in Edinburgh and paid tribute to their incredible efforts.
Sir Tom Hunter said:“This is a record-breaking Kiltwalk – Edinburgh’s biggest ever, with over 9,000 people. Every year, we continue to grow, which is a double-edged sword as it reflects the increasing number of people in need within our communities.
“But for every person in need, there’s a good person ready to lend a helping hand by taking part in events like Kiltwalk. Kiltwalk connects those in need with those who want to help – seamlessly and with a smile. Thank you for your Kiltwalk kindness.”
The Hunter Foundation surprised three charities by giving each a £5,000 cash boost during the ‘Happiest Minute at Kiltwalk’ giveaways.
Local charities River Kids, which provides clothing, toys, and household essentials to disadvantaged children, and Hopscotch, which offers respite breaks for children, were both stunned by the announcement just before setting off from Holyrood Park.
Later, at Victoria Park, Edinburgh School Uniform Bank, which supports children with essential school uniforms, was equally delighted when it, too, was awarded £5,000 to support its important work.
Pit stops along the route offered delicious snacks from Kiltwalk’s Official Supermarket partner, Lidl, and encouragement was provided by charities Cyrenians, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), and Marie Curie.
Fundraising manager for Cyrenians, Sophie Bell, said: “The Cyrenians team had an incredible time at our first-ever Pit Stop.
“The day was an invaluable opportunity for many lovely walkers to learn about the vital prevention work we do in local communities. Scotland should be a place where people facing tough times get the support they need before they hit a crisis, but right now, we’re in a national housing emergency.
“We are especially grateful to the amazing fundraisers who supported– every penny raised is helping us to provide essential support to even more people in crisis. A massive thank you from us all at Cyrenians for your dedication and support!”
Community and events fundraiser for SAMH, Catriona Wilson, said: “The SAMH team loved every minute of our day.
“We were grateful to have an incredible 169 Kiltwalkers who took part in support of SAMH, and it was really moving to spend time with them at our Pit Stop and hear their stories about why they’ve chosen to raise much-needed funds for Scotland’s mental health.
“It’s also a great reminder that being physically active is a powerful way to support our mental wellbeing. From everyone at SAMH, we’d love to extend a huge thank you to each of our supporters – the need for our life-changing services continues to grow, and your support is helping us transform lives.”
Every Kiltwalker who registered and fundraised is in with a chance of winning a car worth £30,000 thanks to Headline Sponsor Arnold Clark.
Lee-Ann Edison, Group Communications and PR Director of Arnold Clark, said: “Kiltwalk is an amazing charity that makes such a huge difference to communities across Scotland, and we’re delighted to continue our support with another fantastic event.
“Edinburgh Kiltwalk might be the last Kiltwalk of 2024, but it sure was a memorable one! Especially for one lucky Kiltwalker who will have the chance to win any car up to the value of £30,000!
“Everyone should be very proud of their involvement and the profound impact their fundraising will have.
“Well done to everyone who took part!”
Royal Bank of Scotland, Headline Sponsor of Kiltwalk and Partner of Team GB at the Paris Olympics, helped ensure all finish-line meals were served in compostable pots, all rubbish was fully recycled and reused, and nothing went to landfill.
Judith Cruickshank, One Bank Scotland Chair, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “The Kiltwalk is one of the highlights of Scotland’s charity and community calendar, and it is one Royal Bank of Scotland has been proud to partner.
“The events brings together thousands of people from across the country and the Edinburgh walk in the country’s capital was no exception. Hundreds of bank colleagues joined customers and the public to help fundraise for groups and charities which are making a positive difference to people across Scotland.
“Whether as participant, volunteer or spectator, everyone here in Edinburgh today has helped make it another success. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, its impact will also be felt for months and years to come.”
At the finish line, there was music, dancing, hot food, and novelty acts like tartan-clad stilt walkers, courtesy of Gold Sponsor Johnston Carmichael.
Kiltwalk is fully underwritten by The Hunter Foundation, enabling the Mighty Stride and Big Stroll to offer a reduced entry fee of just £20. Every penny raised by the walkers goes directly to the charities chosen by them, and they can claim Gift Aid, which can raise the totals by 25%.
