Tag: charity fundraising

Join Barnardo’s atop the world-famous Forth Bridge

‘We felt it was only right to get married in front of the bridge where we got engaged’

It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that has brought joy to those seeking adventure and has raised nearly half-a-million pounds for Scotland’s leading children’s charity. And now, a precious few are once again able to stand atop the iconic Forth Bridge to help make childhoods across Scotland happier, healthier, and more hopeful.

Barnardo’s Scotland’s ‘Your View at the Forth Bridge’ event, run in conjunction with Network Rail and Balfour Beatty allows members of the public one of the most sought after and unique experiences in Scotland – namely the chance to ascend 361 feet up the historic bridge and enjoy an uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic view of the Edinburgh and Fife coastline.

One couple who have already enjoyed the Your View experience are Laura, 36, and Connor Robertson, 33, from Armadale, in West Lothian. The couple got engaged atop the Forth Bridge two years ago when Connor got down on one knee – much to Laura’s shock!

Laura said: “The proposal was a complete surprise! Connor didn’t even tell me that we were doing the bridge viewing until we arrived in the car park, so the whole day was a pleasant surprise from start to finish.

“Your View was one of the best things we’ve done together – getting to be up on top of the bridge and taking in some of the most amazing sights.

“I’d recommend it to anyone. The volunteers were amazing, from getting history about the bridge being built, to the friendly and helpful staff joining you as you make your way up in the hoist.

“It was a day we will never forget. Barnardo’s is an incredible charity and we’re over the moon that all of the money from tickets goes straight towards the great work that they do in Scotland.” 

The couple got married in South Queensferry on Saturday, 7 March this year… with a familiar sight in the background of some of their wedding photographs.

Laura adds: “We felt it was only right to get married in front of the Forth Bridge where we got engaged, so it really was a full-circle moment getting to tie the knot with our special place on view!

“And, to top it off, our little boy Noah, who is now three, was at the wedding too, and he had an absolute ball!”

Your View 2026 will take place from Friday, 18 September to Sunday, 20 September, with tickets on sale now.

To date, more than 7,000 visitors have experienced the event and there have been around a dozen marriage proposals on the vertiginous viewing platform.

Best of all, though, the event has raised more than £450,000 to fund the work of Barnardo’s Scotland. To find out more, or to book tickets for the event, please visit: 

www.eventbrite.com/cc/your-view-at-the-forth-bridge-2026-4846806.

Michele Janes, the Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “As I step into my new role in Scotland, I’m struck by how the Your View event captures the very best of what Scotland offers: breathtaking beauty, a sense of possibility and experiences that stay with you long after you’ve come back down to earth.

“The view from the top of the Forth Bridge is a reminder of what can be achieved when ambition, engineering brilliance and community spirit come together.

“It’s a unique opportunity for people to see Scotland from a new perspective, connecting them to the scale of the possible, while supporting the potential of children and families across the country.”

Alan Ross, Network Rail Scotland’s Director of Engineering and Asset Management, added: added: “The Forth Bridge is one of Scotland’s most cherished and recognisable landmarks, and we’re proud to once again support an event that allows people to experience it in such a unique way.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that this special opportunity not only gives visitors a remarkable perspective of the bridge, but also helps raise vital funds for Barnardo’s Scotland and the important work they do with children and families.

“We’d also like to offer our congratulations to Laura and Connor. We’re delighted that the Forth Bridge continues to play such a meaningful role in their story.”

Colin Hardie, Construction Superintendent for Balfour Beatty, said: “At Balfour Beatty, we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve.

“The Your View event is one example of how we do just that, raising valuable funds to support children and families in Scotland. It has been an honour to work alongside Barnardo’s Scotland once again, to offer members of the public this memorable experience on one of the most iconic, unique and admired structures in the world – the Forth Bridge.”

Also featuring over the weekend will be the famous ‘Briggers’. The Briggers are a Forth Bridge research and presentation group of volunteers based in South Queensferry. Named after the bridge workers, the group was formed to identify the names of the 73 men and boys who died constructing the Forth Bridge, they provide details on the history of the bridge and the people involved in its construction.

For more information on this year’s Your View event, please visit: 

www.barnardos.org.uk/events/your-view-forth-bridge.

At Barnardo’s, our purpose is clear: Changing childhoods and changing lives, so that children, young people, and families are safe, happy, healthy, and hopeful. Last year, we worked with thousands of children across Scotland through more than 150 services and partnerships.

Across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we provided essential support to 373,200 children, young people, parents and carers through more than 800 services and partnerships across the UK. This included 150-plus services in Scotland.

For more than 150 years, we’ve been here for the children and young people who need us most – bringing love, care and hope into their lives and giving them a place where they feel they belong.

To donate, volunteer or fundraise, please visit: 

www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money.

Scran Academy to receive £8,000 boost from Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland Tough Mudder challenge

Housebuilder staff brave mud and obstacles to support young people into education and employment

Eleven members of staff from Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland have raised £8,000 for Scran Academy, an Edinburgh catering social enterprise that supports school-aged young people facing poverty and trauma to engage in education and employment.  

The funds were raised through the team’s completion of the Tough Mudder obstacle course challenge, with parent company Barratt Redrow match funding the £4,000 raised on the day. 

The Tough Mudder team, drawn from Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland and Oregon Timber Frame, a Selkirk-based timber manufacturer acquired by Barratt Redrow in 2022, took on the course, battling mud pits, physical obstacles and teamwork challenges across the course’s demanding terrain. 

Scran Academy is a youth-led catering social enterprise on a mission to help every young person, regardless of background or barrier, realise their full potential in learning, work and life. The organisation was selected as Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland’s charity partner of the year for 2026/27. 

Yvonne Barrie, Regional Finance Managerfor Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland said: “Taking on the Tough Mudder is never easy, but having colleagues alongside you makes all the difference.

“The team gave everything on the day and the spirit throughout was brilliant. Raising £8,000 for Scran Academy makes it all worthwhile.

“The work they do to support young people through food education is genuinely important, and we’re proud that our fundraising can play a part in that.” 

Through the match funding programme by the Barratt Redrow Foundation, every pound raised by the team on the day has been doubled, meaning Scran Academy will receive £8,000 to support its work helping young people across Edinburgh into education and employment. 

For further information about Barratt and David Wilson Homes visit:

 www.barratthomes.co.uk and www.dwh.co.uk. 

PY’s Sponsored Walk Postponed

FUNDRAISING EVENT RESCHEDULED FOR AUGUST

Hi everyone,

We wanted to share a quick update about our upcoming sponsored walk planned for 30th May.

Unfortunately we’ve had to make the difficult decision to postpone the event until August.

This is due to a couple of challenges we’ve faced recently. Our minibus has been badly vandalised and is currently out of action for the foreseeable future which has significantly impacted our plans. On top of that, we haven’t yet managed to raise enough funds to make the event as worthwhile as we’d hoped.

We’re really disappointed to delay, but we hope you understand that this is the right decision for now.

For those who have already kindly sponsored us, thank you so much for your support — it truly means a lot. If you have any questions about what this change means please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

We’re still very much looking forward to completing the walk in August and continuing our fundraising efforts. 💙

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support.

PYCP Team x

Woman living with aggressive brain cancer takes on 100km canoe challenge

A West Lothian woman living with aggressive brain cancer is taking on a 100km canoe challenge to help fund a cure.

Hannah King-Page, 43, from Broxburn, will paddle coast-to-coast through the Scottish Highlands along the Great Glen Canoe Trail from 7 to 11 May as part of a team of six to raise money for the charity Brain Tumour Research.

The challenge will see Hannah and her team wild camp along the route as they navigate canals, lochs and open water, including the vast expanse of Loch Ness.

Hannah, a former physiotherapist who was forced to retire due to ill health, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and cancerous form of brain tumour, in 2020 after suffering a seizure at work.

More than five years on, she has outlived the 12-to-18-month prognosis that this tumour type carries. Her tumour remains stable, but she continues to live with the lasting effects of the disease.

Hannah said: “Taking on this challenge is about making the most of the time I have and doing something positive. It gives me purpose and a focus, while raising awareness of a disease that needs far more attention.

“I feel incredibly fortunate that things have remained stable for me, especially when I know so many others aren’t as lucky. But there’s also a sense of guilt that comes with that, because I’m very aware that other people I’ve met through the brain tumour community are facing progression or going through treatment again. It’s not success – it’s just that I’m still here, and I don’t take that for granted.

“Day-to-day life has changed completely since my diagnosis. I live with chronic fatigue, and there are times when it can completely wipe me out for no real reason. I also have some cognitive difficulties – I lose my words or struggle to process things as quickly as I used to.

“There are good days where I feel like I can take on anything, and then there are days where even simple things feel much harder. It’s about learning to listen to your body and adapting to a new normal.”

Hannah will be joined by a group of friends, coming together as ‘Paddles for Progress’ for the challenge, who she met while trekking 50km across the Sahara Desert last year.

Together they raised more than £90,000 for Brain Tumour Research.

The team includes Hariette Small, 46, a Welsh teacher living in Berkshire, who is taking part in memory of a close family friend who died from a brain tumour aged just eight; Hayley Firth, 48, and Amy Firth, 24, from Bedfordshire, who are fundraising in memory of their nephew and cousin, George Fox, who died aged 13; and Claire Cordiner, 57, from Edinburgh, whose family has been devastated by brain tumours, losing four loved ones to the disease.

Also taking part are Hannah’s cousin Sarah Martin, 55, and Gary Balkham, 62, both from Bristol, who share a close personal connection to her journey.

“Meeting the group in the Sahara was such a powerful experience,” Hannah said. “We all came together because of brain tumours, but what we built out there was something much deeper.

“We supported each other through a really tough challenge, and that created a bond that’s hard to explain unless you’ve been through it. We knew we wanted to do something together again, and this felt like the perfect opportunity.”

The group’s latest challenge will take them on a coast-to-coast journey through the Scottish Highlands along the Great Glen Canoe Trail, travelling from Banavie, near Fort William, to Clachnaharry, Inverness, on a demanding multi-day route that combines inland waterways with large open lochs.

Despite her experience with outdoor challenges, Hannah admits she will need to carefully manage her condition throughout the journey.

Hannah said: “For me, the biggest challenge will be managing my fatigue. Physically, I know I can push myself, but living with a brain tumour means I have to be honest about my limits.

“I’ve learned that I need to speak up if I’m struggling or need to slow down, and that’s something I’ll have to be really mindful of during the challenge. It’s about finding that balance between pushing myself and looking after my health.”

Brain tumours are indiscriminate; they can affect anyone at any age and there are more than 100 different types of primary brain tumour, making them notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat. Yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002.

Through her fundraising group, Hannah’s Kingdom, she has already helped raise more than £36,000 for Brain Tumour Research, funding 13 days of vital research into the disease. 

This includes work carried out at centres such as the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, a game-changing collaboration with Beatson Cancer Charity, focused on finding kinder treatments and, ultimately, a cure for glioblastoma – the same type of tumour Hannah is living with.

Hannah added: “Fundraising has become such an important part of my life since my diagnosis. I feel incredibly lucky to have the support of family and friends who have gone above and beyond to help raise money, whether that’s through events, challenges or donations. It’s amazing to know that what we’re doing is helping to fund research, but at the same time it highlights how much more is needed.

“We’ve all got a brain, yet brain tumours receive just 1% of the national spend on cancer research. Treatments for high-grade tumours like mine haven’t really changed in decades, and that’s something that needs urgent attention. While I’m still here and able, I want to keep raising awareness and using my voice to push for better outcomes for people diagnosed in the future.”

Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: “Hannah’s determination to take on such a demanding challenge while living with a brain tumour is incredibly inspiring and we are so grateful for her continued support.

“Her story highlights not only the resilience of those affected by this disease, but also the urgent need for greater investment in research. We have a whole team of scientists at the Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence dedicated to finding better outcomes for glioblastoma but we desperately need more funding.”

Brain Tumour Research funds sustainable research at dedicated centres in the UK. It also campaigns for the Government and larger cancer charities to invest more in research into brain tumours in order to speed up new treatments for patients and, ultimately, to find a cure.

The charity is the driving force behind the call for a national annual spend of £35 million in order to improve survival rates and patient outcomes in line with other cancers such as breast cancer and leukaemia.  

To support the “Paddle for Progress” team’s fundraising challenge, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/team/100kcanoeacrossscotland

To read more on Hannah’s brain tumour journey, visit: 

https://braintumourresearch.org/blogs/in-hope/hannah-king-page

‘May the 4th be with you’: Edinburgh’s 2026 Capital Sci-Fi Con raises over £64,000 for CHAS

In a fitting tribute to Star Wars Day, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) has announced that this year’s Capital Sci-Fi Con raised more than £64,000 to support its vital work across the country.

Held annually at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange, the convention returned in February, welcoming sci-fi fans from across the UK for a weekend packed with celebrity appearances, cosplay, and immersive fan experiences.

This year’s star-studded line-up included Pirates of the Caribbean actor Kevin McNally, Game of Thrones star Murray McArthur, and Peggy — better known to fans as Dogpool, the beloved canine star of Deadpool & Wolverine.

Since its launch in 2016, Capital Sci-Fi Con has raised over £548,000 for CHAS. The event was founded by West Lothian volunteer fundraiser Keith Armour, whose passion and dedication have helped grow the convention into one of Scotland’s most successful fan-led fundraising events.

CHAS now leads the organisation of the convention, with Keith continuing to support in an advisory role alongside a dedicated committee of volunteers.

Laura Campbell, Head of Community Fundraising and Retail at CHAS, said: “On a day when fans across the world celebrate ‘May the 4th be with you’, we’re absolutely delighted to share that this year’s Capital Sci-Fi Con raised an incredible £64,232.53 in net profit.

“We’d like to thank everyone who bought tickets and came along to support the event. Every pound raised helps CHAS continue providing vital care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families across Scotland.”

Dame Mary Berry supports garden fundraiser 

Gather friends and family for a garden get-together

Gardens are good for us and socializing in them even more so!

This year the National Garden Scheme is inviting people across the UK to bring together friends, family, neighbours and colleagues for a Great British Garden Party – a joyful community fundraiser supporting vital nursing and health charities. 

Championed by Dame Mary Berry, the much‑loved Queen of Cakes, the Great British Garden Party celebrates the simple pleasure of sharing time together while raising money for charities that play a crucial role in so many lives, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Carers Trust, The Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing and Parkinson’s UK. 

At its heart, the initiative celebrates community and the joy of sharing time with others. From your own garden to public parks and workplace green spaces – or even kitchen tables and front gates – everyone is encouraged to host a get‑together in their own way, creating memorable moments and making a meaningful difference. 

Speaking about the Great British Garden Party, Dame Mary Berry said: “I am delighted to invite everyone to gather friends, family and colleagues for a Great British Garden Party. 

“Whether you have a large garden, a small outdoor space or no garden at all, what matters is coming together. These gatherings are about reconnecting, celebrating friendship and community, and supporting nursing and health charities that many of us, our families and friends depend on in times of need.” 

The beauty of the Great British Garden Party lies in its simplicity and flexibility. Past hosts have thrown open their garden gates and invited neighbours for afternoon tea, often making new friends along the way. Others have gathered loved ones to mark a special occasion, suggesting a donation in place of gifts. 

From barbecues and family bake‑offs to picnics in the park, book swaps in the office or plant and produce stalls by the front gate, every event is different – and all are welcomed. The choice is entirely up to the host, making it easy for everyone to get involved. 

Dr Richard Claxton, Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme, said: “The Great British Garden Party is such a great idea. It’s perfect for that situation where an informal gathering is taking place anyway – a birthday party, a silver wedding celebration, or even just having friends over for a barbecue, and this can be turned in a modest way into a fundraiser. 

“It also allows people to share their garden space with friends and family, without going as far as a public ticketed opening, allowing both small, intimate or large, sociable gatherings to raise valuable funds for our Beneficiary Charities – all in the special sanctuaries of our own gardens.”  

The official Great British Garden Party campaign week takes place from Monday 13 July to Sunday 19 July, but supporters are welcome to host their event at any time that suits them, throughout the year. 

Taking part couldn’t be easier. Hosts can sign up via the National Garden Scheme website, invite their guests, and receive guidance and support from the National Garden Scheme events team. 

For more information or to register your Great British Garden Party, visit:

 www.ngs.org.uk/gardenparty. 

SIGN UP AND JOIN IN 

Leila takes on Abseil Challenge for Empty Kitchens Full Hearts

EMPTY Kitchens Full Hearts wonderful Engagement Manager Leila is taking on this abseil challenge ❤️

If you visit EKFH, you’ll see Leila hard at work with our Engagement volunteers, making more than 60 wellbeing calls every week!

Leila speaks to our service users regularly – checking in to see how they are doing, and what more we can do to support them. This could be linking a family to a local clothing bank, putting a person in touch with an benefits check service, or issuing a foodbank voucher for household essentials.

Now, Leila is taking on the Port of Leith Distillery Abseil Challenge – 131ft for EKFH 🌟

To support Leila’s abseil, please donate here:

https://emptykitchens.enthuse.com/…/mary-angela-leila…

Celebrate Edinburgh’s heroes: Nominate a fundraiser for the 2026 JustGiving Awards

Edinburgh ranked as one of the hotspots for charity fundraising in 2026

Edinburgh has been named as one of the UK’s biggest hotspots for fundraising, according to data from JustGiving.

In the first three months of 2026, Edinburgh came in at number six in the list of places with the most individuals undertaking fundraising challenges for good causes*, up four places from the end of 2025.

Manchester tops the list, holding steady from last quarter, with Glasgow in 2nd place and Bristol in 3rd, with Nottingham and Newcastle completing the top five. 

The list has been compiled by JustGiving, the UK’s largest fundraising platform for charitable giving, to mark the launch of the 2026 JustGiving Awards, which looks to celebrate remarkable people up and down the country raising money for causes close to their hearts.

Edinburgh is a city of runners according to the data, with running and marathons proving the most popular vehicles for fundraising in 2026 so far, with causes like MND care, cancer care and poverty relief driving the most donations among locals.

The 2026 JustGiving Awards are now open for nominations, with members of the public invited to put forward inspiring fundraisers from across the UK. The awards celebrate remarkable individuals, families and groups who have gone above and beyond to raise money for a charity or personal cause over the past 18 months. 

Finalists will be shortlisted before going forward to a public vote later this year. The awards aim to shine a spotlight on the stories of generosity, determination and community spirit that continue to inspire people across the country.

Michael and Andrew Cole were finalists in the 2025 JustGiving Awards Stronger Together category. Andrew pushed his 73-year-old father, Michael, who is living with MND, around the 2025 Edinburgh Marathon in a specially adapted wheelchair, raising over £5,800 for MND Scotland.

Pascale Harvie, President and General Manager of JustGiving, said: “Every year, the JustGiving Awards gives us the opportunity to celebrate some of the most inspiring fundraisers in communities like Edinburgh.

“With more than one million fundraising pages created on JustGiving last year, there is no shortage of incredible individuals, families, groups, and even pets, going above and beyond for the causes closest to their hearts. 

“Last year, the public submitted 18,000 nominations, shining an important light on the fundraisers whose generosity, determination and impact continue to inspire people across the world. We cannot wait to see who they put forward this year.”

Nominations will be open for just over three weeks, closing on 10 May. To nominate a JustGiving fundraiser who has inspired you, click here. To find out more about last year’s inspiring award winners, click here.

Top ten fundraising hotspots – Quarter 1, 2026 (change from previous quarter in brackets)*:

1. Manchester (non-mover)

2. Glasgow (Up 2)

3. Bristol (Down 1)

4. Nottingham (Down 1)

5. Newcastle (Up 1)

6. Edinburgh (Up 4)

7. Leeds (Down 2)

8. Sheffield (Up 4)

9. London (Down 2)

10. Plymouth (Up 3)

*based on number of fundraising pages created on the JustGiving platform between 1 January – 31 March 2026, weighted by population according to ONS data

Tomorrow: Big Match at Spartans

STARS COME OUT FOR CHARITY FUNDRAISING EVENT

The Big Match features two men’s teams (Residential United v Commercial City) made up of football enthusiasts (of varying levels of skill and fitness!) from Edinburgh’s property and legal spheres.

They will be joined by local celebrity chef Tom Kitchin, ex-Hearts and Premier league player Christophe Berra, and ex-Hibs player and former pupil of Broughton High, Darren Dods.

The Big Match aims to raise a game-changing amount of money for local charities and this year we’re delighted they’ve chosen Spartans Community Foundation as their beneficiaries, so we’re keen to spread the word!

This is the fourth year of The Big Match. It’s free to spectators and the atmosphere is always brilliant, with vocal crowds!

The game is always hard fought – the referee will have a tough job harnessing the levels of competitive spirit on the pitch tomorrow!

TOM KITCHEN

CHRISTOPHE BERRA

GRANT HANLEY & DARREN DODDS

Jessica celebrates dad’s good health with some fantastic fundraising

A nine-year-old girl from Edinburgh who decided to run the Edinburgh Marathon Festival junior 2K in support of her dad while he was awaiting a liver transplant, is celebrating as he has now received his life-saving transplant and she has smashed her fundraising target with two months to go!  

Jessica Elliot’s dad, Calum, was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis when he was 12. His condition was controlled with medication, and it didn’t stop him pursuing a career in professional football.   

It was last year, while he was manager of League Two’s Bonnyrigg Rose, that he began to develop other symptoms such as jaundice and extreme fatigue and at his wife, Lindsay’s insistence, he consulted his doctor and was referred for tests.

These revealed that he now also had another rare liver condition, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and within months he was on the waiting list for a liver transplant.  

“This came as a huge shock,” says Lindsay. “This was a fit man who had spent his whole life in sport. Being listed for an organ transplant at the age of 38 was not something which had ever crossed our minds.  

“We had to let the children, Jessica nine, Olivia eight and seven-year-old Calum Jr, know why daddy was spending so much time in hospital without worrying them, so we explained that his liver was making him poorly and he needed a new one. It was Jessica’s idea to do the Edinburgh 2K in support of her dad. She’d done it last year and really enjoyed it, so she said she wanted to do it again but ‘for livers this time!’  

“At the time, we were getting a lot of useful information from the British Liver Trust, both regarding Calum’s condition and his forthcoming transplant, so raising money for the charity sounded like a brilliant idea.  

“The last few months have been a real rollercoaster. We had three calls to tell us that a donor liver had been found for Calum, but when we got to hospital, for various reasons the surgery could not go ahead. Finally in January, we got the call we’d been waiting for. The transplant took place and after some initial rejection, it looks like it has been a success, so life is slowly returning to normal. We will forever be grateful to that family who made such a generous decision at such a difficult time.  

“It’s great knowing that Jessica’s fundraising will help other families who find themselves in this situation. She was initially so nervous that she wasn’t going to meet her £500 target, but she doubled it in her first day. Now we’re up to £1280 and it’s still climbing!  She’s so proud and excited, she can’t wait for the race now.

“And having seen the transformation in her daddy over the past few weeks, she tells us she wants to be a liver surgeon when she’s older, so watch this space!”  

Dan Painter, Public Fundraising Manager at British Liver Trust, commented: “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. Jessica is an absolute star for taking on the Edinburgh 2K and raising such a fantastic amount. 

“We’re so grateful to her and we hope that she had her family really enjoy the day!”  

 You can support Jessica at Lyndsay Bell is fundraising for British Liver Trust.