Tag: charity fundraising

Superheroes run marathon from Dunfermline to Edinburgh to fundraise for Sick Kids

A team of costume-clad superheroes and film characters have completed an epic 22 mile run from Dunfermline to Edinburgh to bring smiles to children and families at the Sick Kids hospital.

Starting from Glen Gates in Dunfermline, the band of heroes including Spiderman, Buzz Lightyear, Batgirl and Superman ran just under a marathon in full costume, before being piped through the Meadows and finishing up outside the hospital to visit their fans.

The superheroes initially teamed up during lockdown to bring some cheer to Dunfermline locals during difficult times. They are now taking part in the Lap the World challenge – a fundraising race between Edinburgh and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charities to virtually cover the distance around Scotland and the world’s Equator (50,087km) before 31 July.

The gang have raised an incredible £5700 so far for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), which supports the Royal Hospital for Sick Children. They are part of an army of over 2000 participants that have signed up to help the charities Lap the World.

Buzz Lightyear, aka Andy Spence, says: “I’ve joined Team Edinburgh in the race to Lap the World as I’ve been a supporter of the Sick Kids since 2005, when they saved my daughter Hope’s life.

“Our family is so grateful to the wonderful hospital teams for everything they have done for us. Myself and my wife have clocked up many kilometres over the years by running marathons and half marathons to raise money for them. Hope has also signed up to the fundraising challenge, as without Team Edinburgh, we wouldn’t be Team Spence.

“Our team of superheroes are absolutely thrilled that we have now raised over £7000 for the charity and we hope to raise even more before the end of the challenge.”

Victoria Buchanan, from ECHC, said: “The Lap the World fundraising challenge has been bigger than we could ever have imagined, and who better to have on our team than some of the fastest superheroes on the planet as we race Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity to the finish line?

“We are so excited to have the superheroes on Team Edinburgh and would like to say a huge thank you to them for running such an incredible distance for the children, families and staff of the Sick Kids.

“Though the heroes are unfortunately unable to visit the wards at the moment, we know the kids would still have been amazed to see some of their favourite heroes and there would have been lots of smiles all round.”

To support the superheroes, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/team/DunfermlineSuperheroes

The Lap the World challenge is running from 6-31 July. To donate to ECHC, visit: www.echcharity.org/donate

British Gymnastics announces NHS fundraising initiative

Olympics London 2012. Gymnastics Mens Team Finals 30.7.12. Greenwich Arena .Daniel Purvis

British Gymnastics, the national governing body for gymnastics in the UK, has  announced a fundraising initiative to support the National Health Service (NHS).

To recognise and support the incredible sacrifices that the NHS and frontline staff continue to make every day, British Gymnastics, in partnership with Scottish Gymnastics, are calling on the sporting community and beyond to #PresentForPounds.

A ‘present’ is the move performed at the beginning and end of a gymnastics routine to show that you’re ready for action or to celebrate nailing your routine.

The campaign challenges people to post a video or photo of themselves ‘presenting’ online as a salute to the NHS, using the #PresentForPounds tag.

This could be something new and creative at home or something from a past competition, training session or class.

Those involved are then encouraged to donate to NHS Charities Together via British Gymnastics designated JustGiving page before nominating five friends to do the same.

Olympics London 2012. Gymnastics Mens Qualifications 28.7.12. Greenwich Arena. Daniel Purvis

Speaking about the fundraising challenge, former Olympian and Scottish gymnast Dan Purvis said: “#PresentForPounds is a great initiative and I hope that it goes much further than just our sport.

“Every gymnast, whatever age, discipline or level, knows how to present – it shows that they’re ready for action. Whether it’s presenting to friends and family, a coach, the judges or a roaring crowd, to present is part of what makes being a gymnast so special.

“It’s been brilliant to see how our gymnastics community has pulled together at this challenging time and I can’t wait to see people in Scotland getting involved and showing off their best salutes to the NHS.”

Jane Allen MBE, British Gymnastics Chief Executive Officer, added: “I am delighted to announce our #PresentForPounds fundraising initiative. The efforts of our NHS have really brought the country and the gymnastics community together during this challenging period.

“All of us at British Gymnastics have been inspired and humbled by their bravery, as well as the huge fundraising efforts of so many up and down the country, and we want to do our bit to support such a great cause.”

To show their support British Gymnastics will match donations, up to a maximum of £50,000.

Scottish Gymnastics Chief Executive Officer Doc McKelvey said: “Everyone at Scottish Gymnastics is right behind #PresentForPounds as it’s another fun way of bringing the gymnastics family together while we are out of the gym. It is perfect for gymnasts past, present and future to get involved and challenge their friends and family.

“That’s why we’re saying to everyone in Scotland, why not #PresentForPounds to share your love of gymnastics and pride for NHS heroes and raise money for NHS Charities Together.”

To get involved visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/britishgymnasticsnhs.

Holly’s Month of Miles for MND

Holly Archibald, a 32-year-old trainee solicitor from Edinburgh, is running 2.6 miles every day for a month in memory of her uncle who died of Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

The 2.6 Challenge was launched on 26 April, the day the London Marathon was supposed to take place. The challenge called for people across the UK to pick their own ‘2.6 Challenge’ in support of a charity close to their heart.

While adjusting to her new normal in lockdown, Holly decided to take on the challenge by running at least 2.6 miles a day for 31 days, to raise funds for charity MND Scotland after losing her uncle to the disease in 2016.

MND is a rapidly progressing terminal illness, which can cause someone to lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink or breathe unaided. The average life expectancy from diagnosis is just 18 months.

Holly said, “We lost my uncle, Ian, three years ago to MND when he was 59. It was awful to see this disease ruin him, and our family. The disease truly frightens me, and I think the support and research MND Scotland provides is vital to fight it. Ian lives on in our memories but also within these challenges.

“I cycled from London to Paris in 2017 to raise funds for MND Scotland and I intend to keep doing what I can to support them. I was emailed about the challenge following the cancellation of the London Marathon (not that I was planning to do that!). I only really started running 5 weeks ago, when we went into lockdown, so I thought this would be sufficiently difficult to encourage people to sponsor me.

“I am very much trying to adapt to the new norm. I certainly have more time on my hands since lockdown, so I am running at least 2.6 (socially distanced) miles per day, from the 26th of April to the 26th of May. Or at least jog. Maybe, towards the end, walk! By the end I’ll have completed at least 80.6 miles. Uncle Ian lives on in our memories but also within these challenges.

“People often see fundraising as needing to run a marathon, do a skydive or something crazy but what this period of time has shown us is that actually you don’t have to do these big grand things. You can do something small like run or walk every day. As long as it challenges you personally. I think that’s one of the positive things coming from this.

“I’d encourage everyone to get involved and do something. Even if you only raise £30, that’s money that wouldn’t have been therefore, so just go for it! Any little really does help and raising awareness is just as important.

“I had a target of £260 given it’s the 2.6 Challenge and have already smashed it, raising £345 so far. This is great but more would be even better. I hope that the cash raised will help MND sufferers and family members, especially during this pandemic.”

Iain McWhirter, MND Scotland’s head of fundraising, said “With many events being cancelled and postponed this year, the 2.6 Challenge gives people something fun and positive to do at home, while raising money for many worthy causes.

“During this uncertain time, we are determined to make sure no one goes through MND alone while the country is on lockdown. That’s why we’ve launched a host of new services to help us stay connected to families affected by MND in Scotland, including video support groups, one-to-one phone calls and emergency grants for anyone who is struggling financially as a result of Covid-19.

“We’re very grateful to supporters like Holly, who are able to use this time at home to support MND Scotland.” 

To support Holly’s miles for MND you can donate online at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/my-2-6-challenge-eaf7ee74-490c-4570-9661-db9ab22d8fba or sign up to do your very own 2.6 Challenge for MND Scotland at www.mndscotland.org.uk/26-challenge.

Cat lovers take up the 2.6 Challenge to save UK charities

Cat lovers are taking up the 2.6 Challenge to raise funds for UK charities and put the fun back into fundraising with many stay-at-home heroes lending their support to Cats Protection.

The 2.6 Challenge was created to address the funding shortfall as events are postponed or cancelled. Supporters are encouraged to come up with fun activities based on the numbers 26 or 2.6, and to seek sponsorship for their favourite UK charities. Events should take place on or around Sunday, 26 April, which would have been the London Marathon’s 40th anniversary.

Cats Protection staff, volunteers and supporters have already signed up with a range of imaginative activities to show that, despite the lockdown, they remain #HereForTheCats. All sponsored events will follow social distancing guidelines, of course.

Birmingham Stair-Trekker Clara Youden (43) refused to curtail her training for a trek in Nepal and has covered the equivalent distance of the 53km trek on her stairs; going up and down the stairs 2,600 times, clocking up 69,553 steps. She even decorated her house in a nod to the places she will see on the trip.

Clara, volunteer team leader at Cats Protection’s Birmingham Adoption Centre, said: “People were doing marathons in their gardens and I thought why not walk the trek distance on my stairs? It was harder than I expected but I’m proud that I did it. It’s really important to keep raising funds as the work our centre does is so incredibly important for local cats. I rehomed cats Mylo and Mikey, who mean the world to me, so it is a cause very close to my heart.”

www.justgiving.com/ClaraYoudenandSarahWhitmore

Gateshead cyclist Tom Parker (58) is a volunteer fundraiser for Cats Protection, who has had rescue cats most of his married life. Tom’s challenge is to cycle a 26-mile loop from Gateshead via Wylam and Wallsend, in aid of the charity’s Gateshead & Newcastle Branch.

He said: “As a keen cyclist, I decided that this was an ideal opportunity to raise much needed money to support my favourite ‘non-human’ charity in extraordinary times.

“I rediscovered my love of cycling four years ago as a means to maintain my physical and mental well-being between rounds of anti-cancer immunotherapy treatment. Fortunately, I’m fully recovered, but I have retained my love of cycling as a means to stay fit.”

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tom-s-2-6-challenge1091

Norfolk cat care assistant Leah Snowden (29), will stage a 26-hour sponsored sit-in at the charity’s Downham Market Adoption Centre. She said: “I’ll spend more than a day and night sitting and sleeping in one of our feline maternity pens at the centre. With the lockdown this is a good time to do it, as being confined is something we are all struggling with. It should be really interesting as I’ll see life from a cat’s perspective and what it’s like for cats in care.”

Leah rehomed a silver tabby called Lord Rufus four years ago. She said: “He’s a massive part of my life and was even Mr July in Cats Protection’s 2020 calendar. Cats Protection does amazing work and I am super proud to be part of the team at our centre. I see first-hand what a difference we make to the cats lives. I hope I raise some much-needed funds at this uncertain time.”

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/leah-s-2-6-challenge2020

Cardiff fitness fan Louise Smith (39) has set herself a challenge to do 26 minutes of yoga with her cat and film it for all to see. Louise, from Rumney, said: “I have been learning yoga via YouTube during lockdown and I thought it was a good idea to use this challenge to improve my positions. My cat always tries to get involved when I’m practising, which can be quite challenging, especially if I’m on all fours, or on my back.

“My cat Vanian, named after Dave the singer with The Damned, came from Cats Protection in Bridgend. He was born there but was the last one left as he was quite quiet. His more lively brothers and sisters went first, along with the mother. He was very timid when I had him and it took a bit of time to get him to open up. He can be a little anxious about being left alone but he also likes loads of fussing and snuggles on his own terms.”

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/louise-smith188

St Albans cat-lover Emily Ayres (41) will run a marathon through local woodland over the course of a week, in aid of Cats Protection and Parkinsons. Emily rescued her cat after he spent six months unclaimed.

Emily said: “Mikey was four years old when I got him from a local rescue centre. I have had him for around 10 years so he is getting on a bit, but he is still healthy and active. He very much enjoys having me home all the time as he loves company and all the attention. He has been great comfort and company for me during lock down.”

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/EmilyAyers

Sussex Cats Protection volunteer Karen Middleton (53) and her sons James (13) and Ben (15) plan to run for 26 minutes, but that is just the warm up. She will also complete 26 yoga poses over 26 days, accompanied by her two playful black cats Boris and Jasper, rescue brothers from the National Cat Adoption Centre in Chelwood Gate.

Karen of Hartfield, said: “It’s been really good fun getting ready for this, especially with the children. It has been something for us to focus on during lockdown. The only problem is with Jasper; he’s in on all the action and he likes to sprawl across my yoga mat. I wouldn’t want to flatten him.”

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/karen-s-2-6-challenge2020 

Sleaford horserider Karen Sheldon (58), who is self-isolating and classed as vulnerable, plans to walk 26 times round the paddock with her horse Teena. She is raising money for three charities close to her heart; Cats Protection’s Sleaford and District Branch, where she is branch co-ordinator, World Horse Welfare, former home to her horse Teena, and The Multiple Sclerosis Society.

“I was first diagnosed with MS 29 years ago. I have been very lucky in that, although I have slight problems with mobility, I can walk several miles although I will be tired at the end. Unfortunately, not all people are so fortunate and humans need lots of help at the moment too.”

Karen became a life member of Cats Protection in 1992 when she rescued cats from a former branch in Lincoln. Since then she has re-homed many cats and dedicated a great deal of time and work to Cats Protection.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kj-sheldon

Dancer Elaine Eyres will attempt 26 triple-time steps, despite not having worn tap shoes in years. https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ElaineEyers

Surrey dancer Leanne Sternalski-Goodman is taking part in a 26 minute online dance off dressed as a T-Rex dinosaur, raising funds for Cats Protection’s East Surrey, Caterham and Redhill Branch. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cpeastsurrey-dinodanceoff

Cat fan Claire Onody is walking 26,000 steps in one day to prepare for the Zambia Big Cat Challenge for Cats Protection.

Manchester runner Lorraine Griffiths is running 12.6 miles on Sunday, as she was due to run London and Manchester Marathons. https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LorraineGriffiths1

Like many charities, Cats Protection does not receive UK Government funding and its work is largely funded by donations and the fundraising efforts of staff, volunteers and supporters.

Cats Protection’s Fundraising Mass Participation Officer, Zoe Thompson, said: “While our centres and branches are closed to the public, our dedicated staff and volunteers are still here for the cats in care. We can only continue to do this good work with the ongoing support of fundraising, sponsored events and donations.

“We need help from our band of supporters who have always been supremely generous and appreciative of our teams who look after cats all year round. We know they won’t forget us now. They’re here for the cats too.”

To register for the 2.6 Challenge: https://www.cats.org.uk/the26challenge

Don’t forget to share photos and videos using #HereForTheCats and #TwoPointSixChallenge.

DunBear dons virtual eye patch to mark ‘Big Night In’ and support local charity

The DunBear sculpture, part of the Hallhill development in Dunbar, will be donning a virtual spotted eyepatch, Pudsey-style, as part of the joint BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief “Big Night In.”

Taking place tomorrow (Thursday 23rd April) at 7pm, the show will raise funds for local projects across the UK during these challenging times. It will bring together stars including Sir Lenny Henry, Davina McCall, Peter Kay and Gary Barlow. All monies raised will be split between the two organisations.

The five-metre high steel Dunbear sculpture, created by renowned Scottish artist, Andy Scott, the man behind the ‘Kelpies’, will don the virtual eye patch which will be promoted via social media as a means to encourage people to give to the cause.

Individuals are also being encouraged to contribute to Dunbar charity, the Ridge. The Ridge, recognised for its outstanding work with young people, has joined forces with Dunbar Community Council as it shifts its focus to providing practical support for those of all ages adversely affected by COVID-19.

Jointly managed funds are already making a difference by providing food, clothes, toys and books.

A hot meals service is underway and the Ridge will direct and support people to debt advice services, mental health services and counselling.

Small grants are available  to groups, charities or individuals where such a grant will materially alleviate crisis.

The sculpture celebrates one of Dunbar’s most famous sons, John Muir, born this week in 1838 and who is credited with playing a key role in the development of America’s national parks.

It forms part of the mixed-use Hallhill development, being undertaken by Hallhill Developments, which started on site in 1999. The development has already delivered sports facilities, 56 acres of community woodland together with more than 1,500 homes, either built or under construction, as well as school provision and commercial and retail outlets.  

Ken Ross, on behalf of Hallhill Developments, commented: “We are delighted to be assisting in these extraordinary times to support such wonderful causes which make such a difference to people’s lives.

Hallhill is a key part of the Dunbar community and it is therefore only fitting that The DunBear should participate and play its part in raising much needed funding for organisations such as the Ridge.”

Pippa Swan, Chair of Dunbar Community Council said: “We would welcome everyone who is able to do what they can to support the Ridge.

“Their community work places them in the very best position to take a lead in helping individuals and families during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond and any funds raised will be directed fully to those in most need of help.”

Pauline Mills, Land & Planning Director for Taylor Wimpey East Scotland said: “We have been part of the Dunbar community for many years now and we welcome the opportunity to be involved in this fundraising effort and provide a contribution of £500 to The Ridge to support the work they do. 

“Being able to work with groups and charities that surround our developments is important to us – even more so in these unprecedented times – and we are confident the local community will support these vital fundraising efforts as part of the BBC Children In Need and Comic Relief ‘Big Night In’ appeal.”

Those looking to contribute to The Ridge can do so via:https://paypal.me/TheRidgeDunbar?locale.x=en_GB

Those looking to contribute to the Big Night In can do so via: https://www.comicrelief.com/big-night-in/

Walk for Autism to go ahead

Walk for Autism UK and Ireland is calling for final registrations for its third annual campaign, which is set to continue as planned from March 26.

In a bid to encourage community spirit amid the UK’s current uncertainty, it has already reported its most successful pledge to date with a record number of sign-ups this year and is urging others to get involved.

Walk for Autism will see over 1,800 individuals across the country walking 10,000 steps a day for eight days finishing on World Autism Awareness Day on April 2. In addition, those currently taking part have raised tens of thousands of pounds for the charity, vital funds that will support autistic people and their families.

Head of Enterprise at Autism Initiatives Jon Gordon (above) said: “We are delighted with the number of walkers that are joining us in this year’s campaign and want to extend our thanks to each and every person who is stepping up to the challenge.

“We still have time to gain more momentum and together, raise even more money. This fundraising is essential in providing much needed support for autistic people, including their families.

“We appreciate that these are unprecedented times, but walkers can undertake the challenge solo, at a time and place that is convenient for them, whether it’s in your local park, your garden or even at home – every step counts.

“Right now, a sense of belonging is more important than ever and although participants may no longer be walking in groups, we are still very much a community. Once signed up, our fundraising team known as ‘Walking Buddies’ are available on email to offer round the clock support and registrants can also access a Facebook group to meet others supporting the initiative.”

In Scotland, money raised as part of the campaign will contribute to facilities at Autism Initiatives’ ‘One Stop Shops’ that provide free support and advice services for thousands of autistic people across Edinburgh, The Lothians, Borders, Perth and Kinross and Highland.

One Stop Shops offer a range of services including 1:1 support, drop-in sessions, group activities and training to name a few. With over 3,600 autistic people registered for support, these essential establishments help more than 600 individuals a month.

Although Walk for Autism UK and Ireland officially takes place March 26 to April 2, those taking part are free to undertake their eight-day steps challenge on dates that suit them.

Those stepping up to the challenge will start walking from March 26 up until World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2020. Those who sign up by March 20 will receive a fundraising pack which includes a t-shirt and pedometer.

To find out more about Walk for Autism or to sign up visit www.walkforautism.co.uk

Legal firm raises £62k for Scottish children’s charities with Greatest Showman event

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Leeds Building Society raises £100k for Samaritans in just six months

Leeds Building Society has surpassed £100,000 raised for its national charity partner Samaritans, as part of its aim to raise £250,000 by March 2020, with help from the Society’s Edinburgh branch. Continue reading Leeds Building Society raises £100k for Samaritans in just six months