Tag: charity fundraising

Over 1,100 tackle army’s “toughest” 24-hour challenge in support of soldiers, veterans and their families

Endurance event for Army’s national charity began on D-Day anniversary

Over 1,100 people gathered in the Cairngorms on Friday 6th June, the anniversary of D-Day, before taking on their “toughest ever” challenge on Saturday 7th June – walking non-stop for 22, 36, or 54 miles over 24 hours through the Cairngorms, to support soldiers, veterans and their families.

Based on the infamous long-distance military training march, the event attracts international participants and supporters from across the UK to hike the scenic but challenging terrain of the Cateran Trail.

The Cateran Yomp is now in its 14th year and, since2011, Yomp participants and sponsors have raised over £4m for the Army Benevolent Fund, which supports soldiers, veterans and their families. This year’s youngest ‘yomper’ is aged 16, and the oldest participant was born in August 1944, the same birth month and year as the founding of the charity.

Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer of the Army Benevolent Fund, said: “This year is set to be one of the toughest and biggest yet for the Cateran Yomp, in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund.

“The charity relies on the generosity of our supporters to ensure that soldiers, former soldiers, and their families have the opportunity to avoid hardship and enjoy independence and dignity.

“The support we receive from individual participants, the local community and the organisations that not only sponsor the Yomp but also encourage their staff to take part, is vital. Every single step helps our mission: to be there for soldiers, for veterans, and for their families, for life.”

The Yomp attracts a range of participants, including Barry Azzopardi, from Devon, a veteran with a four-decade military career. Barry and his son, James, a former soldier, are taking on the Cateran Yomp for the first time. During the event, they will be marking the loss of Barry’s brother who died, aged 11, in 1971 and never grew up to become the soldier he wanted to be.

Barry says: “It’s fitting that I will be taking part in the Yomp on my brother’s anniversary. I enjoyed my years in the Army, and I feel fortunate to have served and survived unscathed. Now I want to give something back.”

Lauren McLean, a headteacher from Cumbria and her colleagueenjoy taking on physical challenges to support a range of charities and promote healthy lifestyles to their pupils. Both have loved ones who were injured in service and have been supported to rebuild their lives by the Army Benevolent Fund.

Lauren said, “After six months training, we are so looking forward to the Yomp. It will be physically tough and mentally challenging.

“However, it is nothing in comparison to the sacrifices our servicemen and women have made, and we want to support them in any way we can by raising funds for this fantastic charity.”

With four Yomps already under her belt, West Lothian-based Lorna Coulter, is hoping to bag her fifth ‘gold’ by completing the full distance of 54 miles in 24 hours with her teammates. She has so far raised over £8,500 – thanks to the generosity of her family, friends and colleagues. 

Lorna says: “The Cateran Yomp is special, there’s incredible camaraderie. Veterans often face challenges, particularly with their mental health and some get a raw deal.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who’s helped me raise funds for the ABF, which gives far-reaching support for veterans, as well as serving soldiers and their families.”

The Army Benevolent Fund is here to support the Army community through life’s challenges – such as bereavement, getting back to work, elderly care, and much more besides. Last year, the ABF supported over 80,000 veterans, soldiers and their families in the UK and 51 countries around the world through its grants to individuals and other organisations, including several based in Scotland, such as Erskine and Bravehound.

Army veteran, mountaineer and ABF supporter, Mac Mackay, from Dornoch, is this year’s Cateran Yomp Ambassador and will be leading a team of veterans at the Yomp. Mac is the Chair of ABF partner charity, Climb 2 Recovery (C2R), which trains disabled and injured veterans to climb, and to get climbing qualifications.

Mac (69) says: “Without the help of organisations like the ABF, the work that Climb 2 Recovery does with veterans just will not happen.

“Good luck to this year’s Yompers – it’s tough, but the atmosphere gets you to the finishing line. And you will be supporting the Army Benevolent Fund, which is there for soldiers, veterans and their families, facing hardship and need.”

Yompers are gathering this year on the anniversary of D-Day and the event takes place ahead of VJ Day in August, marking the end of the Second World War in the East. The Army Benevolent Fund was set up 80 years ago, so that brave servicemen and women would never face the post-war hardships experienced by veterans of the First World War.

As thousands of ex-service men and women returned home, the Army Benevolent Fund was there with the help some needed. Its founding purpose remains unchanged today, and the welfare of soldiers, veterans, and their families is at the heart of its work.

Vintage Vibes set Cake Grab date

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! 🍰

From Kyiv to the Kelpies: Dad conquers fear of heights to protect Scotland’s children

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.”

To sign up to the Kelpies’ Challenge and support Children First can visit http://childrenfirst.org.uk/events or call 0345 10 80 111.

Six Midlothian mums take on the Kelpies Challenge for Children First

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.  

To sponsor these brave mums and support the charity’s work to protect Scotland’s children, please donate here: Laura Stacey is fundraising 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. 

Husband and wife to cycle over 230 miles to raise funds for charity they credit with giving their baby life 

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: 

Russell Anderson Foundation 

Murtle Market by Camphill Schools 

Simpsons Special Care Babies 

The Teddy Bear Development Playgroup

Mental Health Foundation: Ultra Comedy Events

DROP SOME PUNS AND RAISE SOME FUNDS!

Looking for a challenge? Fancy a chuckle? 😂

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.

So, drop some puns and raise some funds!

Read more and sign up here: https://bit.ly/407WyaC

Exclusive Auction Prizes Announced for RHASS Presidential Initiative Charity Dinner

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.

For more information on the auction including the full list of lots, and to place a bid, visit https://weareeventpal.com/RHASS2025/home_page.

Limitless DMC completes 20-mile Edinburgh Kiltwalk in support of ForRefugees charity

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.

For more information, or to make a donation, please visit the GiveMatch page: https://givematch.com/fr/Om2bPWHk. 

Edinburgh boxers march for children’s charity

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:

 https://www.justgiving.com/page/ciara-oconnor-1723449713057

Friday: Coffee at the Rose Garden

Enjoy a cup of coffee, have a chat, meet new people, and take in the beauty of a rose garden – all for a great cause!

Join Macmillan’s coffee morning from 11am to 2pm on Friday, 20 September at Saughton Parks’ Rose Garden to help raise money for charity.