Tag: charity fundraising event

Great Glen Challenge surpasses £50,000 fundraising target for RSABI

The Great Glen Challenge, the annual fundraising event run by agricultural support charity, RSABI, has generated a record fundraising total in excess of £57,000. 

RSABI is sending a message of thanks to the sponsors, teams, supporters and volunteers who made the team sporting event on Friday, August 30th such a huge success. The excellent total achieved in 2024 takes the amount raised since the event was launched 12 years ago to over £500,000.

The event, sponsored by Scottish legal firm, Gillespie Macandrew, received unprecedented interest this year with 27 teams across Scottish agriculture businesses taking part in a challenging day of outdoor sport, testing endurance and fitness, as well as offering a great opportunity for teambuilding and camaraderie.

Set against a picturesque backdrop between Fort Augustus and Fort William, teams taking part in the 90km race combining cycling, kayaking, running and walking to support the work of RSABI included: Agrovista, Azets, Bank of Scotland, Scotland, Begbies Traynor, Bidwells, Blackhall & Powis, Crofting Commission, Johnston Carmichael, MHA Edinburgh, Gillespie Macandrew, Muckle Media, NFU Scotland, NFU Mutual, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), Royal Bank of Scotland, Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID), SAC Consulting, Scottish Woodlands Ltd, SP Energy Networks, Thomson Cooper, Virgin Money and Women in Agriculture Scotland.

RSABI staff members Harry Seran and Margo Wills led the planning and delivery of the event which is designed to raise awareness of the work of the charity as well as the importance of teamwork and fitness for mental and physical wellness.

A team of volunteer marshals also played a vital part in the success of the event with special thanks going to George Lawrie who stepped down, after 10 years of volunteering at the Great Glen.

In addition to training and competing, each team had an ambitious fundraising target with the aim to collectively raise £50,000 to help RSABI provide emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.

With this year’s total being exceeded by more than £7,000, Pauline Macmillan, Head of Fundraising at RSABI, expressed her gratitude: “We are immensely thankful to everyone who has contributed so far, and to our sponsors, Gillespie Macandrew and media partners The Scottish Farmer.”

“The dedication of our participants in both their fundraising and training efforts is truly inspiring, and our thanks also go to the many volunteers who assist us with the running of the event.”

“Our goal for the 2024 challenge was to surpass £50,000 which would take the total amount raised since the event was launched to over £500,000. This level of fundraising is incredibly important to support RSABI’s work to provide emotional, practical and financial support to people in Scottish agriculture.”

Lois Newton, Partner of Land and Rural Business at Gillespie Macandrew and RSABI trustee, added: “We were delighted to support RSABI and the Great Glen Challenge for a second consecutive year. 

“As longstanding advisors to the sector, we are familiar with the challenges facing people in Scottish agriculture and just how invaluable the work of RSABI is in providing support.  

“It was an inspiring day to be a part of, a fantastic opportunity to catch up with familiar faces as well as make new connections, and we’re delighted to see such a positive fundraising total for RSABI.”

The overall team winner for the second year was Scottish Woodlands, with Johnston Carmichael taking second team place, followed by the NFU, Ninja Focused Union Sportspeople, in third.

Individual awards were made to David Hamilton (mountain biking) of SPEN – The Land Guys, Mark Donald (kayaking) of NFU – Ninja Focused Union Sportspeople, Lawrence O’Hara (running) of Begbies Traynor and walking David King, Scottish Woodlands.

Supporters can continue to donate to the teams’ fundraising efforts by visiting the official event page at https://rsabi.enthuse.com/cf/great-glen-challenge-2024 or by texting GREATGLEN to 70450 to donate £10.

RSABI’s freephone Helpline – 0808 1234 555 – is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and calls won’t show up on phone bills. All enquires are treated as confidential by the organisation’s friendly, professional team.

You can make contact online on a range of social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and you can also reach RSABI via the webchat function on its website www.rsabi.org.uk 24 hours a day.

CHAS 2024 Rocking Horse Ball raises £95,000 to help support dying children and their families

Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS)’s 2024 Rocking Horse Ball, sponsored by Thorntons Solicitors, has raised £95,000 (after costs) to help support children with life-shortening conditions and their families. 

The annual event, which had an Aladdin ’Whole New World’ theme this year, took place at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh on Friday 7 June.

Guests at the event, which is recognised as one of the capital’s most-loved charity dinners, enjoyed a night of wonder with Aladdin-themed games amongst a backdrop of flying carpets and magic lamps.

Comedian and singer Jess Robinson hosted the event, supported by compere Alex Fleming, who entertained guests throughout evening, including during the live auction, while music was provided by Edinburgh band duo BLEEKER. 

Guest of honour at the event was CHAS parent speaker, Andy White from Fife who spoke about the care and support he received from Rachel House hospice in Kinross when his son Leo died in March 2022, aged just six years old.

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 were able to wow our guests from start to finish, creating an incredible and memorable event that raised an incredible £95,000 after costs for CHAS.”

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 this year’s event was yet another success, entertaining all who attended and raising funds for a very important cause. We look forward to continuing our partnership with CHAS and supporting its life-changing work.”

Sunday: Lewis Leap Fun Dog Show at Cammo Estate

Tails will be wagging this weekend when the ‘Lewis Leap’ Dog Show takes place at the Cammo Estate on Sunday 20th August, between 2 and 5 pm. 

The annual show, now in its second year, celebrates all kinds of canine capers – with judging categories including ‘waggiest tail’ to ‘cutest puppy’ and the ‘most fabulous costume for both dog and owner.’

As well as nine judging categories – which culminate in the prestigious ‘Best on Show’ award – there is also a host of other fun attractions including food stalls (hotdogs, naturally), tombola and doggy merchandise.  There is even a special ‘Dog Bar’ catering for the stars of the show serving ‘Puppuccinos’ and various dog treats.

The show aims to raise awareness and funds for the Lewis Leap charity which was set up to honour the memory and spirit of Cammo schoolboy Lewis Johnson, who died suddenly whilst on a family holiday aged just 13.  

The charity’s vision is to introduce a new service later this year to offer early support to local families who have suddenly and traumatically lost a child, sibling or parent. They are partnering with national bereavement support group Cruse Scotland and the new service will support family members collectively and individually in the early stages of grief.

The Lewis Leap Dog Show costs just £3 to enter each category online before the 19th August – or £3.50 on the day of the show. For more information and to enter online, visit: www.lewisleap.com/cammo-dog-show

Edinburgh woman with muscle-wasting condition to host fundraiser at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery

  • Art enthusiast Alexandra Gardyne is the subject of exceptional pieces by well-known Scottish artist Damian Callan, which will be displayed at the fundraiser at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery
  • Alexandra lives with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, a condition that gradually weakens the muscles, and wants to change the perceptions that others may have when they see someone with muscular dystrophy
  • Visitors can expect to view and purchase unique pieces reflecting many artists’ perception of muscular dystrophy and a full range of the artists’ own portfolio of work
  • Artists include: Damian Callan, Jennifer Illustrated Lab, Ritchie Collins, Eleanor Cunningham, David Schofield, Lucy Campbell. Photographer Maxine Ragni
    Alexandra is hosting the fundraiser to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy UK

Art enthusiast Alexandra Gardyne, who lives with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, is the subject of exceptional work by Damian Callan, one of Scotland’s well-known artists.

The work will be shown as part of a one-off exhibition on the evening of 21 May she has organised at the Scottish Portrait Gallery to fundraise for Muscular Dystrophy UK.

The evening will begin at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery’s Grand Hall. Drinks will be available from the Heritage Portfolio Company while visitors can meet Alexandra and attending artists.

Damian, a figurative artist whose work reflects that of Degas and Renoir, said he found an extraordinary determination in the way Alexandra deals with the challenges of her condition.

“For many years I have worked on depicting the characteristic movements of sports figures and dancers. Alexandra asked if I would consider working with her with a view to capturing the particular ways in which she moves and thus possibly offering an insight into the experience of living with muscular dystrophy.

“Through a process of drawing her in the studio and photographing her walking in the Botanic Gardens, I began with a series of charcoal and pastel studies and developed these into paintings. I have attempted to produce positive and uplifting images that recognise an extraordinary dignity and determination in the way Alexandra deals with the challenges of this condition.”

Register to attend the event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/perceptions-life-with-muscular-dystrophy-tickets-221911462157

Get to know Alexandra and view some of the artwork: Instagram.com/ali.artspoken

Alexandra – a 35-year-old mum from Edinburgh – said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness and educate about muscular dystrophy through art. I am delighted that so many artists have jumped on board.

“There will be a good range of pieces, with and without attachment to muscular dystrophy, so the mix is eclectic enough to suit people’s style and pockets.

“I have always found art stimulating and exciting, and enjoyed galleries and local shows. I used to do a lot of arts and environmental workshops in my 20s. I love creating space for other people’s creativity to flourish and be appreciated.”

Alexandra was diagnosed with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy when she was 22. “I was symptomatic since toddlerhood but only diagnosed in my twenties when I could no longer run, kept tripping on the stairs and always feeling exhausted.

“I find it very hard to live with my condition but I am passionate about connecting with people and making things happen. I am trying to change the perceptions that others may have when they see someone with muscular dystrophy.”

Ritchie said: “When I met Alexandra and she told me about the Muscular Dystrophy UK charity, I thought it was a great idea to host an evening of art in the magical setting of the National Portrait Gallery.

“It’s an honour to be able to draw awareness and raise funds for such a great charity through my work.”

Julia Smith, senior manager, regional development at Muscular Dystrophy UK said: “Alexandra has put a lot of time and effort into this fundraiser and we are so grateful.

“We look forward to seeing photos from the event and expect it will be a fun and relaxed evening. Any funds raised will go towards Alexandra’s family fund to to raise essential funds for research into Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy.”

Alexandra added: “Muscular Dystrophy UK is a charity with a great level of experience and determination in their mission and the staff, and that always comes across. They have created many opportunities for people with the conditions.”

The venue is fully wheelchair accessible.