A mum whose teenage daughter died by suicide after viewing harmful content online has raised more than £4,000 for Childline by climbing the Pentland Skyline in Scotland.
Ruth Moss (52), a nurse from Edinburgh, raised the money for the NSPCC-run counselling service, which supported her daughter Sophie several times before she died.
Sophie died in 2014 aged 13 after she watched harmful content online, including material that glorified suicide.
She struggled with her mental health throughout her teenage years, and Ruth encouraged her to contact Childline when she was feeling very low or suicidal so that she could talk in confidence to someone, who was professionally trained and independent from family and teachers.
Despite living with the grief of losing her daughter, Ruth is determined to bring about something positive from her tragedy by raising money for the free counselling service, which is available to young people up to the age of 19, 24 hours a day, all year round.
Ruth completed the 16-mile route with a 5,577 ft climb with her husband Craig and two friends on Saturday, June 15. She said: “It was pretty tough. The Pentlands aren’t that high, but doing 15 hills in one go was sore on the legs.
“But it was such a positive thing to do in Sophie’s memory – as well as for an amazing charity. We took a photo of Sophie with us all the way. I hope we did her proud.”
In 2022/23, Childline delivered 105,366 counselling sessions with children across the UK where the child’s main concern was mental or emotional health, suicide or self-harm.
Ruth said: “Sophie used Childline for quite some time and while the outcome for her was tragic the service provided her with comfort, and I am so grateful to them for being there for her.”
Young people looking for support on any of the issues mentioned, can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is there for all young people up until their 19th birthday. Call the police on 999 if you suspect someone is in immediate danger.
Cameron Hutchison, 13, is taking on the gruelling challenge to raise money for Mary’s Meals
A young teenager from Edinburgh is aiming to cycle the West Highland Way in just 24 hours for charity later this month.
Cameron Hutchison, 13, and his dad, Colin, 55, are taking on the challenge on mountain bikes for international school feeding charity Mary’s Meals, in the last week of June.
Mary’s Meals, founded in a shed in the Scottish Highlands, provides a daily school meal to more than 2.4 million children in 17 of the world’s poorest countries including Haiti, Malawi and Syria. The promise of a nutritious meal encourages children to the classroom where education is key to a brighter future.
Cameron plans to support the charity by cycling the 96-mile (154 km) route from Milngavie to the foot of Ben Nevis in Fort William, with 4,312 m (12,143 ft) of ascent along the way, non-stop.
Kind-hearted Cameron says: “I really enjoy riding my bike and I love that Mary’s Meals supports the world’s poorest children. Doing something for charity always makes me feel better but also reminds me of how fortunate I am.
“Hikers normally take between four and seven days to complete the trail or three to four days to complete it by bike. I’ll be aiming to cycle the whole route in just one day. My little legs are going to be working hard!”
Throughout June, Mary’s Meals is running its annual active challenge, From Dalmally To Malawi. By signing up to the challenge, participants will take part in a virtual journey from Dalmally, the village in the Highlands of Scotland where Mary’s Meals was founded – only 12 miles away to the closest point on the West Highland Way – to Malawi, where the charity served its first life-changing school meals.
People can take part in From Dalmally To Malawi in any way they choose, whether walking, running, swimming or cycling, like Cameron. The money raised through sponsorship from family and friends will help to feed hungry children living in the world’s poorest countries.
The charity hopes people will be inspired by Cameron to add their miles for From Dalmally To Malawi, this month.
Dan McNally, Head of Grassroots Engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “What an inspiration young Cameron is! Not only is he attempting a really tough challenge, but he’s also raising money to better the lives of hungry children. No matter how he finds the West Highland Way, Cameron can hold his head high thanks to his fantastic fundraising.
“We’re not asking you to take on such a difficult challenge, why not get active for Mary’s Meals this month too? Whichever way you want to move, if you sign up for From Dalmally To Malawi, your miles will help us reach our cumulative team goal!”
To sign up for From Dalmally To Malawi, please visit:
A mum whose teenage daughter died by suicide after viewing harmful content online plans to walk the Pentland Skyline in Scotland this Saturday (June 15) to raise money for Childline.
Ruth Moss (52), a nurse from Edinburgh, is raising money for the NSPCC-run counselling service, which supported her daughter Sophie several times before she died.
Sophie died in 2014 aged 13 after she watched harmful content online, including material that glorified suicide.
She struggled with her mental health throughout her teenage years, and Ruth encouraged her to contact Childline when she was feeling very low or suicidal so that she could talk to someone, in confidence, who was professionally trained and independent from family and teachers.
Despite living with the grief of losing her daughter, Ruth is determined to bring about something positive from her tragedy by raising money for the free counselling service, which is available to young people up to the age of 19, 24 hours a day, all year round.
Ruth, who plans to complete the 16-mile route with a 5,577 ft climb with her husband Craig and two friends, said: “This walk feels like a positive way of marking a tragic event. It’s happened to us, there’s nothing we can do to change that.
“But it’s comforting to know I’m helping other young people who may be struggling with their mental health in the same way that Sophie was, and it helps to keep her memory alive, which is hugely important to me.
“When you lose a child you are always wondering what they’d be doing now. I’ve watched some of her friends grow up into beautiful young women and men.
“Sophie would have turned 24 this month and I am thinking she would probably have finished university, she might have a job, where would she be living? There’s a whole future that didn’t happen for Sophie.
“I want to do something to help prevent another family from losing a child in such a tragic way.”
In 2022/23, Childline delivered 105,366 counselling sessions with children across the UK where the child’s main concern was mental or emotional health, suicide or self-harm.
Ruth said: “Sophie used Childline for quite some time and while the outcome for her was tragic the service provided her with comfort, and I am so grateful to them for being there for her.”
• Last year Childline delivered almost 8,200 counselling sessions to children and young people from Scotland
• In more than 700 of these sessions the young person said that Childline was the first place they had shared their concerns
• Almost all these counselling sessions were conducted online – 59% via 1-2-1 chat and 41% via email.
• The NSPCC calls on the public to play their part for children by getting involved in Childhood Day.
The NSPCC’s Childline service delivered nearly 8,200 counselling sessions last year to children and young people from Scotland, with poor mental health, difficulty with family relationships and friendship issues some of the top concerns.
As the charity prepared for its third annual Childhood Day on Friday (June 7th) it issued a rallying call for families to come together to celebrate childhood by signing-up or joining in on one of the many fundraising activities taking place around the country.
In 2023/24 Childline delivered 8,190 counselling sessions to children and young people from Scotland dealing with a range of worries. Almost all these counselling sessions were conducted online – 59% via 1-2-1 chat and 41% via email – highlighting the changing way in which the service is now provided.
In more than 700 sessions the young person said Childline was the first place they had talked about their concern, reinforcing how vital the service continues to be for children.
The new data released by the NSPCC gives an indicator of the issues and problems facing children and young people in 2024. It also highlights the need for children and parents to find fun ways to spend time together and have conversations about what is taking place in their lives.
Childhood Day brings people together across the UK, Jersey and the Channel Islands to celebrate the joys of being a child, while also encouraging people to play their part to help keep children safe.
This year, for the first time ever, we are held a Childline Sports Day in Glasgow’s Golden Jubilee Hotel. This fun-filled event saw 13 teams battle against each other in physical and cerebral activities to win the coveted Sports Day trophy.
There were lots of fun interactive moments, with live linkups from the other Childline sports day events taking place in Manchester and London, to bring everyone together, and a silent auction, donations, raffle, BBQ, drinks and live entertainment.
While children from Festival Park Day Nursery in Lorne Street, Glasgow, visited Kinning Park Care Home residents on Childhood Day on Friday (June 7) for a day of “intergenerational connection” to show the benefits of interaction between young and old, such as children learning from their elders as well as helping to improve the residents’ mental health. The day includde story time, nursery rhymes and games.
Anne Marie Vernel, Depute Head of Festival Park Day Nursery, said: “The children have been building up relationships with the residents over the past few months and thoroughly enjoy visiting the care home. The children also welcomed the residents into the nursery last month and they were very excited about the visit.
“It’s lovely to see the two generations meet and share stories. History is brought to life when the children hear about what life was like for them when they were growing up, and I’m sure the residents areinterested to hear about childhood experiences today as well.”
People can also get involved by volunteering at a Childhood Day collection, taking on the charity’s Childhood Day Mile or donating directly – including at cash donation points in Lidl GB stores. Additionally, on 7th and 8th June Lidl GB donated £1 to the NSPCC for every customer that spends £10, scans the Lidl Plus app and submits their donation.
Collections took place before the Taylor Swift concert at Murrayfield stadium tram station and at Aberdeen beach Asda yesterday (Saturday).
Further collections will take place across Scotland over the coming days: at Central train station, Glasgow, on Thursday, June 13, at Braehead Shopping Centre, Glasgow, on June, 14 and 21, at the Foo Fighters concert in Glasgow outside Hampden Park stadium on Monday, June 17 and in Glasgow City Centre on Friday, June 7 with the Rock choir.
All the funds raised from Childhood Day will go towards ensuring the NSPCC can continue to deliver services like Childline to those children who need support and feel they have nowhere else to turn.
Childline often hears from young people about how much the service means to them and positively impacts their lives.
One young person aged 14* from Scotland told Childline: “I want to say thank you so much Childline, you’ve really helped me. I know I can come back anytime for reminders on helping my mental health, or check the website, it’s so good!”
Rebecca Wilcox, President of Childline, said: “As a mother, as well as the President of Childline and a volunteer for the service, I believe it’s incredibly important for young people to have a safe space where they can discuss anything that might be troubling them.
“Childline will always be here for every young person, no matter the nature or size of their concern.”
Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO, said: “Every day Childline continues to be a safe port for hundreds of children struggling with a widening range of issues and concerns.
“Events like Childhood Day play an essential part in providing the support we need to keep Childline running day and night for young people, some of whom have nowhere else to turn.
“As well as raising vital funds for the NSPCC Childhood Day also encourages children and families to celebrate childhood.
“This is why we are calling on communities, schools and families to take part in fun activities, such as the Childhood Day Mile – where they can hop, skip or jump a mile.”
Lidl GB is sponsoring the NSPCC’s Childhood Day for a third year as retail sponsor. Lidl GB has been partnered with the NSPCC for 7 years, raising over £9 million for the charity in this time.
It is currently supporting young people with their mental health by raising money for Childline. Lidl GB will be helping to raise awareness of Childhood Day, as well as holding its own events and activities with colleagues and customers across Great Britain to help raise vital funds.
Also sponsoring this year’s Childline Sports Day is O2. O2 connects millions of families across the UK and is committed to helping keep children and young people safe when gaming, studying and connecting with friends online.
As part of its sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, the company is working to improve the digital skills and confidence of six million people by the end of 2025.
Survivors of sepsis, along with those running in memory of loved ones, took part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival two weeks ago to support research into the number one cause of preventable death worldwide
Two weeks ago, Edinburgh Marathon Festival saw a total of 21 runners come together as they raced to raise money, and awareness, for Sepsis Research FEAT. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that is the result of the body’s extreme response to infection.
When it strikes, the body’s immune system overreacts and starts attacking not just the infection, but everything else around it including the body’s own tissues and organs.
Colin Graham, Chief Operating Officer of Sepsis Research FEAT, said: “Sepsis is not uncommon; people are just not as aware of it as they should be, partly because its symptoms can mimic other common conditions.
“It affects around 50,000 people across the UK, with approximately 50,000 people dying from sepsis every single year – that’s five people per hour.
“Out of those who survive, roughly 40-50% will be left with life-changing physical and psychological conditions.”
Colin added: “Worldwide, sepsis kills 11 million people every year, which is higher than cancer.
“The magnitude of the problem highlights the urgent need for funding. Sepsis is the number one cause of preventable death in the world, and to every runner who raised money for our charity over the weekend, we want to say a big thank you.”
Among the runners, who raised a total of £ 14,105 were sepsis survivors Erin Montgomery and Lori McIvor, along with Nadia Imbabi, Megan Kane and Alison McNeil who were running in memory of loved ones.
Erin Montgomery, who survived sepsis in 2023, said: “Today was for myself and anyone else who has battled sepsis. All the pain is worth it when the money raised is going to the charity Sepsis Research FEAT.”
Although the charity carries out invaluable work across the UK: funding research; raising awareness; supporting fundraisers and speaking with and sharing the stories of those with lived experience of sepsis, Scotland’s capital has always been close to the charity’s heart.
When living in Edinburgh, Sepsis Research FEAT’s founder and chair Craig Stobo developed sepsis, before losing both his wife Fiona and unborn daughter Isla to the immune response within a 36-hour period.
As a result, Colin Graham said: ‘It was fantastic to see so many individuals touched by sepsis come together in order to raise money and remember loved ones where it all began”.
To find out more information about sepsis, or get involved with Sepsis Research FEAT, please head to https://sepsisresearch.org.uk/
Three children from the Lothians – including two siblings – conquered the Edinburgh Marathon Festival’s 2k run in support of the National Deaf Children’s Society.
West Calder siblings Jamie Farquhar, 10, and Cerys Firth, 11, and Wallyford youngster Mila Coult, 9, took on the picturesque course, which followed Queen’s Drive in the shadow of Salisbury Crags, on Saturday 25 May.
Jamie and Cerys smashed their original fundraising target, with £750 raised, while Mila did likewise and has raised over £900 so far for the charity, which supports the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families.
All three youngsters chose to run for the National Deaf Children’s Society because they have been affected by deafness in their families. Jamie was born deaf and now wears hearing aids, while Mila became deaf at the age of three and now has cochlear implants. Both families have been receiving ongoing support from the charity.
Jamie and Cerys live in West Calder with their parents Carrie-Ann and Callum and other siblings Emma and Erin, while Mila lives in Wallyford, near Musselburgh, with her mum Regan and stepdad Shaun.
Jamie said:“I chose the National Deaf Children’s Society because I love the activities I do with them and I want to keep that going for other deaf children.
“It felt amazing to finish, it felt great getting the medal. The thought of the medal kept me going. I tripped over a bar near the end, it was funny! I’m just really proud of how much we raised.”
Cerys added: “I ran for the National Deaf Children’s Society because my little brother is deaf. It felt amazing to get to the finish line. We both tripped up at the end! I knew I had to finish because if I didn’t, I’d have let lots of people down. I was doing it for Jamie.”
Commenting on her run, Mila said: “I really liked raising money, the run was really active and encouraged me to keep running and push myself. It was really tiring but I feel proud that I did it.”
Regan, Mila’s mum, added: “I’m so beyond proud of Mila and what she’s accomplished, both in fundraising for a charity so close to our hearts, and by pushing herself to run and have fun.”
Tamsin Bayliss,who supports fundraisers for the National Deaf Children’s Society, said:“I want to say a huge thank you to Jamie, Cerys and Mila for taking on this challenge for us. Conquering the Edinburgh Marathon Festival’s 2k run was a great achievement and we’re very proud of you.
“The National Deaf Children’s Society is dedicated to supporting the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families. The efforts of selfless fundraisers like Jamie, Cerys and Mila will help us to keep on doing our vital work, now and into the future.”
Students from Fettes College are to take part in a 24-hour continuous tyre drag this weekend to raise money for an Edinburgh children’s charity.
40 Lower Sixth form students from each of Fettes’ eight boarding houses will be dragging a 90kg tyre along the school’s main drive for 24 hours straight, with the aim of raising at least £10,000 for Edinburgh-based charity, SuperTroop.
SuperTroop provides week-long residential holidays for children and young people with learning disabilities every summer in Edinburgh. It works with a team of volunteers from Fettes College each year to raise funds which go towards travel costs and admission to places such as Edinburgh Zoo during the residential holiday.
Last year, Fettes students raised £9,000 for the charity after taking part in a continuous metal-log carry, with each student working in 15-minute shifts.
The proceeds went towards a week-long summer holiday camp at Fettes, which welcomed 16 children and young people. Fettes students volunteered at the camp and provided support and friendship to the holidaymakers.
This year, the students are determined to beat their fundraising target to reach at least £10,000. Every donation made will be matched by an anonymous private donor, meaning the students could potentially double their target.
Mr Rhys Rowlands, Head of Outdoor Pursuits and Director of Volunteering at Fettes College, said:“Organising gruelling 24-hour challenges like the tyre drag not only develops a sense of teamwork and resilience in our students, but also teaches them the profound impact of compassion and giving back.
“This challenge is much more mental than it is physical, identifying what is possible when you push yourself to a new limit is a vital lesson. ‘Super Troop’ holds a special place within the Fettes College Community and we are proud to be able to support this superb charity.”
One of the students taking part said:“Although last year’s challenge was a very exhausting 24 hours, it was hugely rewarding knowing all the money raised is going to an amazing charity.
“I am looking forward to taking part in this year’s challenge and hopefully meeting our fundraising target.”
Katrina, a parent of one of the young people who has taken part in the SuperTroop holiday for the past few years, said:“SuperToop is a win-win for our family.
“Our youngest son absolutely loves his annual holiday having fun with his friends and helpers at SuperTroop. And we, his family, have a bit of a holiday and a rest knowing that he is in safe hands living his best life. We wish the Fettes students the best of luck with their fundraising challenge.”
Sue Fletcher-Watson, Founder of SuperTroop, said: “SuperTroop’s goal is to provide extraordinary holidays, creating an environment in which holidaymakers feel surrounded by peers and friends, and one where they can gain some independence.
“The work we do with Fettes College is vital to make sure they have the best experience possible and we couldn’t do it without them. I’m very grateful that students will be taking part in another challenge this year to raise invaluable funds that help contribute to the work we do for these deserving young people.”
Aldi is set to boost its donation to Teenage Cancer Trust thanks to two Scottish employees running the London Marathon in aid of the charity today.
Kathy Hill, a Store Assistant from Aldi’s Dunfermline store, and Kevin Regan, a Store Manager in Livingston, are gearing up to pound the pavements in support of the worthy cause on 21st April.
With almost four years of service at Aldi Scotland, Kathy, 58, is dedicated to making a difference in her local community, which extends to her decision to participate. She began her rigorous training regimen in January, supported by her colleagues, family, and local running club, after applying on a whim with her children.
Kevin, 57, has been working at Aldi for more than 24 years. Despite the challenges posed by the Scottish weather, the keen runner has been enjoying the preparations and has already raised £2,200 individually for Teenage Cancer Trust.
Aldi’s commitment to Teenage Cancer Trust has been steadfast since 2017. Only last week, the supermarket announced it was extending its fundraising target to £15 million by 2027, after surpassing the initial target of £10 million three years ahead of schedule.
The funds raised by Aldi have contributed to providing essential resources for young cancer patients, including specialist nurses, support coordinators, and multidisciplinary team coordinators.
Kathy said: “I am incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from colleagues and customers at Aldi, especially as my training has been quite intensive.
“Their encouragement has been a driving force behind my marathon journey, and I’m honoured to have had the opportunity to give back to such a worthy cause. “
Reflecting on his preparations, Kevin shared:“Teenage Cancer Trust is a fantastic charity and the fact that Aldi has just reached the £10 million fundraising mark for Teenage Cancer Trust is amazing.
“I feel honoured to play a part in that. The community, the store, and the staff have all really supported me. A day doesn’t go by without someone wishing me well.”
Graham Nicolson, Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said:“We are immensely proud of our longstanding partnership with Teenage Cancer Trust and the impactful work we’ve accomplished together.
“Surpassing our initial fundraising target of £10 million three years ahead of schedule is a testament to the dedication and generosity of our colleagues and customers. Kathy and Kevin’s commitment to fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust through running the London Marathon represents Aldi’s commitment to supporting important charities.
“Their efforts, along with the ongoing support from our Scottish communities, reinforce our shared values of community engagement and corporate responsibility. We are confident that their participation will not only raise vital funds but also inspire others to join us in our mission to provide essential resources and support to young cancer patients across the UK, including Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.”
Kathy and Kevin’s fundraising links can be found below:
We’re so honoured that Samaritans has been chosen as Charity of the Year for the 2024 TCS London Marathon today.
To mark this iconic occasion, our incredible community of runners, volunteers and supporters are coming together to tackle the stigma surrounding suicide by spreading messages of hope.
We all struggle to cope sometimes, and one in five of us have had suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives. But suicide can be prevented and we can all play a part.
Join us in our latest campaign, as we encourage the nation to believe in tomorrow and support others to do the same.
To mark this iconic occasion, our incredible community of runners, volunteers and supporters are coming together to tackle the stigma surrounding suicide by spreading messages of hope.
We all struggle to cope sometimes, and one in five of us have had suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives.
But suicide can be prevented and we can all play a part.
Join us in our latest campaign, as we encourage the nation to believe in tomorrow and support others to do the same.
“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves” – Edmund Hillary
An inspirational group of child abuse survivors, supported by friends and family, are raising awareness and funds for child protection charity the NSPCC by climbing Mount Everest.
Giles Moffatt (51), a survivor of physical abuse as a young boy at boarding school, is one of 12 men and women in ‘Team Uprising’ who have travelled to Nepal to trek 150km at ultra-high altitude on the world’s highest mountain.
Giles spoke about the cruel and abusive behaviour he experienced while he was a pupil at Edinburgh Academy when he gave evidence at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry in Edinburgh last year.
Giles now wants to turn his negative childhood experiences into something positive by raising money for the NSPCC and awareness of the impact of abuse.
In preparation for the inquiry Giles set up a survivors’ group which now has over 70 members, and when he said he would like to climb Everest to raise money for the NSPCC, several members wanted to join him.
The team will trek over nine days to Everest Base Camp together, and then Giles will continue with fellow Edinburgh Academy abuse survivors Neil MacDonald and Neil Russell and their good friends and supporters, Andy Leslie and Mitch Smith, to undertake an ice climb to the 6,119-metre summit of Lobuche.
Giles and Andy will carry on even higher through the heart of the Himalayas with legendary mountaineer and guide, Ang Tshering Lama, who has climbed Everest five times, with the aim of reaching the summit of Everest by the end of May.
On the expedition they will have to contend with altitude sickness, the treacherous Khumbu icefall and on summit day what is referred to as the mountain’s ‘Death Zone’ where there is not enough oxygen to survive, and they will carry specialist equipment to assist them.
The funds they raise will go towards supporting NSPCC services. These include Childline, the charity’s free counselling service for children, the adult Helpline for reporting concerns about a child and the charity’s educational programmes, such as Talk PANTS and Speak Out Stay Safe, which aim to help prevent child abuse and neglect.
Giles Moffatt
Giles, who lives in Rye, East Sussex, said: “Childhood abuse causes mental health problems, addictions, self-harm, low self-worth, anxiety, relationship and work problems throughout life.
“We want to use our own negative childhood experiences to help other children who have been abused, and those who may be at risk, and raise awareness of the wide-ranging and long-lasting impact of childhood abuse.
“This trip is part climbing, part fundraising, part therapy.
“We can’t change our past, but we can do something to prevent other children from experiencing the horrors that we endured. We want a zero-tolerance of any form of abuse of children and hope to inspire others to have the courage to speak up and seek support.”
Another member of Team Uprising, Neil Russell (67), also gave evidence at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry in Edinburgh last year about his experience of physical, sexual and emotional abuse when he was a pupil at Edinburgh Academy.
The main perpetrator of Neil’s abuse was Hamish Dawson, who died in 2009. At the inquiry Dawson was accused of multiple instances of emotional and physical abuse on young boys at the school, some of which Neil experienced and witnessed.
Neil, who lives in Bedfordshire but plans to move to Perthshire this year, said: “Dawson would beat all the boys if something happened, and no one confessed. The incidents of abuse by Dawson have haunted me and tormented my mind throughout my life.
“The habitual and extreme violence have stayed with me. It took me two years of psychotherapy before I was even able to say his name.”
Neil has struggled with the impact of the abuse throughout his adult life. It has caused him difficulties with his mental health, including severe depression and anxiety, emotional and physical breakdowns and he has attempted suicide. He has also struggled to maintain relationships, including previous marriages, because he finds it hard to trust people.
‘Team Uprising’ also includes former pupils Frazer Macdonald, Graeme Sneddon, Adrian Blakemore, Niall Mackinlay, and friends and family Cat Bolten, Rachel Leslie, Andrea Christensen, Jacob Christensen.
They would like to thank Ooni Pizza Ovens, Tiso and Thermos, the Altitude Centre in London, Lindores Abbey Distillery and ‘Taking the Pea’ snacks for their financial support.
Young people looking for support can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.
Any adult concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk. But should call the police on 999 straight away if they think a child is in immediate danger.
Pic Greg Macvean 19/11/2023
The Centre, Livingston – Elf Toddle Walk
300 people, many dressed head to toe as elves, took part in the annual one-mile ‘Elf Toddle Walk’ to raise money for the children’s charity, CHAS on Sunday (19th November), following the success of the inaugural event last year at The Centre, Livingston.
The family fun event, now a firm fixture in the Christmas calendar, was attended by hundreds of little toddlers who embarked on a one mile walk around the shopping centre, which was two laps, joined by acrobatic elves and Christmas characters including a Snowman and Reindeer.
Pic Greg Macvean 19/11/2023
The Centre, Livingston – Elf Toddle Walk
Livingston Women’s FC footballers joined in the fun and carried out a light warm up for the toddlers and to help get them on their way, Go Radio, who provided the festive tunes on the day, led a Jingle Bells sing-along before the countdown took place and starting whistle was blown.
They were also given extra encouragement and entertained half-way round by 50 singers from the Singergie Choir.
On completion of the walk, all children received a commemorative wooden keepsake medal and chocolate coins, presented by the management team at The Centre, Livingston who were joined by an Elf character.
Pic Greg Macvean 19/11/2023
The Centre, Livingston – Elf Toddle Walk
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston, said: “Thank you to everyone who came along to our annual Elf Toddle Walk at The Centre, Livingston, to help raise funds for the children’s charity, CHAS.
“It was great to welcome even more people this year!
“A big thank you also to all of our volunteers and everyone who helped make it a huge success, including the acrobats, elf helpers, Singergie Choir, Livingston Women’s FC – it was such a great way to spend a Sunday morning, having fun and raising funds at the same time for such a worthy cause.”
Pic Greg Macvean 19/11/2023
The Centre, Livingston – Elf Toddle Walk
Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We are so grateful to all the elf-tastic participants, who joined us for the annual Elf Toddle Walk!
“Every smile and every step came with an added bonus of making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families supported by CHAS.
“We can’t thank The Centre enough for their support and for organising such a fantastic event.”
