Tag: charity fundraising

Edinburgh smashes Kiltwalk record with biggest-ever Capital event

9,100 Kiltwalk Heroes raised funds for 800 charities

9,100 Kiltwalk Heroes took over the capital today in the biggest-ever Edinburgh Kiltwalk, with 802 different Scottish charities already benefitting from every penny and pound raised. The fundraising total stood at £1.3 million at 9 am, as 3,700 smiling walkers, many of them sporting a touch of tartan, set off from the magnificent Holyrood Park.

Another 3,100 walkers took on the 11-mile Big Stroll from Fisherrow Links, Musselburgh, while 2,300 embarked on the 5-mile Wee Wander from Victoria Park. All participants completed their tartan-clad journey at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium finish line.

The Hunter Foundation, which underwrites the Kiltwalk, ensures it remains Scotland’s most affordable platform for charities to raise crucial funds. Sir Tom Hunter of The Hunter Foundation joined the walkers in Edinburgh and paid tribute to their incredible efforts.

Sir Tom Hunter said: “This is a record-breaking Kiltwalk – Edinburgh’s biggest ever, with over 9,000 people. Every year, we continue to grow, which is a double-edged sword as it reflects the increasing number of people in need within our communities.

“But for every person in need, there’s a good person ready to lend a helping hand by taking part in events like Kiltwalk. Kiltwalk connects those in need with those who want to help – seamlessly and with a smile. Thank you for your Kiltwalk kindness.”

The Hunter Foundation surprised three charities by giving each a £5,000 cash boost during the ‘Happiest Minute at Kiltwalk’ giveaways.

Local charities River Kids, which provides clothing, toys, and household essentials to disadvantaged children, and Hopscotch, which offers respite breaks for children, were both stunned by the announcement just before setting off from Holyrood Park.

Later, at Victoria Park, Edinburgh School Uniform Bank, which supports children with essential school uniforms, was equally delighted when it, too, was awarded £5,000 to support its important work.

Pit stops along the route offered delicious snacks from Kiltwalk’s Official Supermarket partner, Lidl, and encouragement was provided by charities Cyrenians, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), and Marie Curie.

Fundraising manager for Cyrenians, Sophie Bell, said: “The Cyrenians team had an incredible time at our first-ever Pit Stop.

“The day was an invaluable opportunity for many lovely walkers to learn about the vital prevention work we do in local communities. Scotland should be a place where people facing tough times get the support they need before they hit a crisis, but right now, we’re in a national housing emergency.

“We are especially grateful to the amazing fundraisers who supported– every penny raised is helping us to provide essential support to even more people in crisis. A massive thank you from us all at Cyrenians for your dedication and support!”

Community and events fundraiser for SAMH, Catriona Wilson, said: “The SAMH team loved every minute of our day.

“We were grateful to have an incredible 169 Kiltwalkers who took part in support of SAMH, and it was really moving to spend time with them at our Pit Stop and hear their stories about why they’ve chosen to raise much-needed funds for Scotland’s mental health.

“It’s also a great reminder that being physically active is a powerful way to support our mental wellbeing. From everyone at SAMH, we’d love to extend a huge thank you to each of our supporters – the need for our life-changing services continues to grow, and your support is helping us transform lives.”

Every Kiltwalker who registered and fundraised is in with a chance of winning a car worth £30,000 thanks to Headline Sponsor Arnold Clark.

Lee-Ann Edison, Group Communications and PR Director of Arnold Clark, said: “Kiltwalk is an amazing charity that makes such a huge difference to communities across Scotland, and we’re delighted to continue our support with another fantastic event.  

“Edinburgh Kiltwalk might be the last Kiltwalk of 2024, but it sure was a memorable one! Especially for one lucky Kiltwalker who will have the chance to win any car up to the value of £30,000!  

“Everyone should be very proud of their involvement and the profound impact their fundraising will have.

“Well done to everyone who took part!” 

Royal Bank of Scotland, Headline Sponsor of Kiltwalk and Partner of Team GB at the Paris Olympics, helped ensure all finish-line meals were served in compostable pots, all rubbish was fully recycled and reused, and nothing went to landfill.

Judith Cruickshank, One Bank Scotland Chair, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “The Kiltwalk is one of the highlights of Scotland’s charity and community calendar, and it is one Royal Bank of Scotland has been proud to partner.

“The events brings together thousands of people from across the country and the Edinburgh walk in the country’s capital was no exception. Hundreds of bank colleagues joined customers and the public to help fundraise for groups and charities which are making a positive difference to people across Scotland.

“Whether as participant, volunteer or spectator, everyone here in Edinburgh today has helped make it another success. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, its impact will also be felt for months and years to come.”

At the finish line, there was music, dancing, hot food, and novelty acts like tartan-clad stilt walkers, courtesy of Gold Sponsor Johnston Carmichael.

Kiltwalk is fully underwritten by The Hunter Foundation, enabling the Mighty Stride and Big Stroll to offer a reduced entry fee of just £20. Every penny raised by the walkers goes directly to the charities chosen by them, and they can claim Gift Aid, which can raise the totals by 25%. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Edinburgh Teacher Cycles 1,000 Miles for Disabled Children

An Edinburgh primary school teacher, who lives with a brain injury and epilepsy, has completed a 1000-mile mission to raise funds for a disabled children’s charity.

Milo Trainor Moss (28), who also has a cardiac implanted device after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest in 2020, has spent the last four weeks completing the adventurous solo cycle across northern Europe to support The Yard, his mother’s place of work.

Milo cycled 500 miles from Gothenburg to Hamburg and then another 500 miles via Amsterdam and Newcastle. His Dad Richard buddied him on the final leg of his cycle back into Edinburgh, arriving at The Yard together on Friday 2 August. 

Smashing his fundraising target of £1,000, £1 per mile, Milo has since raised over £1500 bolstered by the generosity of Richard’s employer, Natwest, which will donate an additional £500 through its Community Cashback Scheme.

Milo said, “I’ve been acutely aware of The Yard’s impact for many years but since becoming a primary school teacher, the difference the charity makes has come into sharper focus.

“I saw the summer holiday as the ideal opportunity to use my cycle challenge to help The Yard do more of what they do best, supporting young people with disabilities and additional needs, and their families.

“There’s no doubt that I had to consider my limitations and plan the route around my health challenges, but it was otherwise just a case of getting on with it and powering on. Arriving back at The Yard and being reminded of how amazing a place it is made it all worthwhile.”

Katrina Trainor, his mum, who has been The Yard’s Edinburgh receptionist for 10 years added, “To say we are proud of Milo is a huge understatement.  He is one in a million in so many ways.

“Milo was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of eight and lives with a hypoxic brain injury but otherwise gets on with life and is always pushing himself to do more. He’s loved this latest adventure and the freedom he’s had along the way.

“While facing his own health difficulties, he’s so resilient and always moving forward. In many ways, he is the embodiment of The Yard. 

“His cycle challenge has been brilliant for The Yard but also wonderful for Milo – we are exceptionally proud!”

Her pride is echoed by Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer of The Yard, who said, “We are incredibly grateful that Milo chose to embark on this epic endeavour for The Yard.

“As well as raising a significant sum for our charity, which will allow the young people we support to enjoy their own adventures, his journey will inspire countless other young people and show that, even in the face of adversity, we can always strive for more and make a difference to others.

“Milo, we thank you and applaud you!”

To donate to Milo’s campaign, please visit  Milo’s Scandi / Scottish Summer Cycle

For more information about The Yard, visit https://www.theyardscotland.org.uk/

Anthony (6) completes visits to 50 police stations during July for charity

A big-hearted schoolboy who visited 50 police stations in all divisions across Scotland in a month to raise money for charity completed his adventure yesterday – with a surprise promotion from the Chief Constable!

Anthony Green, six, visited his local station in Glenrothes, Fife, on the final leg of his journey.

Throughout July, Anthony has visited over 50 police stations and raised almost £2000 for the Police Benevolent Fund.

Officers from across Scotland welcomed Anthony and his parents, for his road trip which has seen him board a helicopter, a boat, been given tours of police stations and also meet a station cat.

As part of Anthony’s trip, officers gave him an investigation to track down missing pieces from a jigsaw puzzle which were scattered across Scotland after falling from Santa’s sleigh last Christmas.

He collected the missing pieces from each station on his travels and was welcomed back to Glenrothes to complete his puzzle by the officers he visits most days through his love of policing.

Anthony has worked his way through the ranks from starting out as a Special Constable back in 2022, to being promoted today by Chief Constable Jo Farrell to the role of Deputy Chief Constable.

In addition, Anthony’s father Will is considering applying to become a Special Constable following his engagement with police officers and seeing first-hand the work they do.

Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “It’s an absolute honour to promote Anthony to my Deputy today following his excellent fundraising efforts.

“It was quite a commitment for Anthony and his family to undertake the task of visiting over 50 police stations during this month for such a great charity.

“I am delighted to present him with his completed jigsaw puzzle and to let him know that we are all hugely proud of his efforts.

“It is great that his dad is now considering a valuable role as a Special Constable and hopefully we will see Anthony back in uniform as a recruit in the future.”

Six-year-old Anthony Green to visit over 50 police stations for charity

Next month six-year-old Anthony Green will be travelling up and down Scotland to visit all 13 police divisions for charity.

Anthony has visited Divisional Headquarters in Fife on Detroit Road in Glenrothes every week since April 2022 to see police vehicles and personnel coming and going.

As a way to give something back to policing Anthony has decided to spend the month of July travelling to over 50 police stations, raising money for charity.

Officers across the country have got involved to help with the planning of these visits to ensure Anthony receives the warm welcome he’s used to from his hometown police.

Sergeant David McCabe said: “We are used to seeing Anthony accompanied by his parents in Glenrothes every week and it is fantastic to see the joy our vehicles and colleagues bring him by simply doing our job.

“His love of policing is evident in this challenge and we hope he enjoys seeing our colleagues across the country while on his travels.”

Kiltwalk for the Kids who’ve lost a member of the clan

  • The UK’s first childhood bereavement charity, Winston’s Wish, is asking people to take part in a sponsored Kiltwalk this summer
  • Winston’s Wish is calling on people to remember the children who’ve lost a member of their clan
  • The Kiltwalks will take place on Sunday 11th of August in Dundee and Sunday 15th of September in Edinburgh

The UK’s first children and young people’s bereavement charity is asking people to take part in a sponsored Kiltwalk in Dundee or Edinburgh this summer. 

As a national charity with a special interest in reaching grieving young people in communities across the UK, Winston’s Wish is keen to forge a future in which no child is left to grieve alone. 

The charity is mustering well-travelled trekkers or fledgling footsloggers to don their clan’s kilts and take part in a ‘Mighty Stride’ or a ‘Wee Wander’ to raise awareness and to support bereaved children and young people. 

Established for more than 30 years, Winston’s Wish reaches more than 60,000 bereaved children and young people up to the age of 25 when their worlds are turned upside down by grief. Each day, estimates suggest that more than 120 young people are bereaved of a parent and that figure doesn’t equate how many are coping with the death of a sibling, friend or another significant person in their lives. 

The Kiltwalks will take place in Dundee (11th August) and Edinburgh (15th September) and participants have a £20 registration fee with no minimum sponsorship required.

There are three lengths to choose from; the ‘Mighty Stride’ which is approximately 21 miles, the ‘Big Stroll’ which stretches across 11 miles or the ‘Wee Wander’, also open to juniors, which is five miles long. Last year alone, the Kiltwalk raised more than £5 million for good causes.

Individuals as well as families, friends and corporate teams are encouraged to come together to support charities who are making strides in helping those in Scotland. Winston’s Wish delivers one-to-one support to the bereaved young people locally for whom individual counselling was suitable as well as answering helpline calls and other messages.

The charity also delivers bespoke training to Scottish professionals working in educational, healthcare and funeral services to feel capable and confident to support a bereaved young person. 

Winston’s Wish Trustee Neil Musgrove is taking part in both Kiltwalks this summer, after already completing his first trek earlier this month in Aberdeen.

A commercial financial director with Expedian, Neil explains his connection to the charity: “My wife Rachael was diagnosed with cancer in July 2017 and sadly passed away in March 2019.  We have three wonderful boys, who at the time were 11, 12 and 14. As a Father I was alone; I just wanted to be able to help them be OK.  

“A few years later, the opportunity to apply for the Treasurer Board role at Winston’s Wish came up.  It was a charity I’d heard a lot about from the support network of widows and widowers I’d built. 

“And if I could use my professional skills and experience to help even one more child get the support, they needed in their grief then it would have been worth it. I applied for the role and am incredibly privileged and proud to be part of such a wonderful organisation making a huge difference.”

Neil already has one Kiltwalk under his belt after completing the first part of his challenge in Aberdeen. He says, “I’ve completed the first walk which was up in Aberdeen. It was a fantastic experience. 

“There were well over 5,000 people taking part. It was a really lovely atmosphere, with so many different charities being supported by so many people to which each cause meant something personal. That made it feel really special. So much good being done by so many people just trying to make a little positive difference.

If you are interested in taking part in your own ‘Wee Wander or ‘Mighty Stride’ in Scotland this summer then don’t forget to review the dedicated webpage on the Winston’s Wish website for further details and take step toward a future when no child is left to grieve alone.  

Winston’s Wish is keen to reassure bereaved young people and their families that they are welcome to chat online, email or call for free to speak to a bereavement support worker by calling 08088 020 021, emailing ask@winstonswish.org or using the live chat at winstonswish.org.

Mum climbs Pentland Skyline to raise funds for Childline in memory of her daughter

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.”

To support Ruth visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ruth-moss-1710585841103

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.

Edinburgh youth aims to cycle West Highland Way in 24 hours for charity

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: 

www.marysmeals.org.uk/dalmally-to-malawi 

To donate to Cameron’s fundraiser for Mary’s Meals, please visit: 

www.justgiving.com/page/cameron-hutchison-whw24hours 

Mum to climb Pentland Skyline to raise funds for Childline in memory of her daughter

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.”

To support Ruth visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ruth-moss-1710585841103

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.