Tag: charity support

States football dream comes true for young Scot thanks to national children’s charity

A young footballer from Penicuik who once faced poverty and uncertainty is playing collegiate sport in the United States, thanks to Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity.

As Scotland’s football team enjoys the global spotlight during the World Cup, 18-year-old Peter Bradford from Penicuik is home for a summer break from his dream football scholarship at Fulton-Montgomery Community College in upstate New York.

Just a few years ago, the idea of a football scholarship would have been beyond Peter’s wildest dreams.

When Peter was 12-years old, single-mum Michelle, was struggling to cope after she was forced to give up her job as a psychiatric nurse due to a shoulder injury.

With no financial safety net, cupboards were empty and Michelle faced impossible choices about how to support her family.

“It took a lot for me to ask for help,” said Michelle. “I honestly didn’t know how I could support my family and keep Peter’s football going.”

Michelle turned to Children First’s support line for financial support, and not long after that she was put in touch with the local Children First team in Midlothian where her family received support from Charles.

Children First provides emotional, practical and financial support to children and families through its national support line and local services across the country.

With additional support to manage finances, the family began to regain stability at a critical moment.

Peter, who had trained four times a week from a young age, received support to continue playing the sport he loved. This included funding for training and new football boots.

Charles also took him on trips to matches and offered Peter consistent encouragement to build his confidence – support that made a lasting difference. Charles still keeps in touch with the family now.

Michelle said: “Peter wouldn’t be where he is today without Children First. At the point when I reached out to them, I just didn’t have the financial capacity to keep his football going.”

Peter went on to play for Penicuik, Bonnyrigg Rose and Spartans, where his talent continued to develop. He was offered one-to-one coaching with former professional footballer Gary O’Connor via Five-Star International Events.

Then in 2024 what Peter and Michelle thought was another training session, turned into a life-changing moment when Peter was offered a football scholarship in America.

“It was amazing. It didn’t feel real,” Peter said.

Determined to make the opportunity count, Peter spent a year preparing with a strict training and nutrition programme before moving to the United States at just 17.

For Michelle, saying goodbye was the hardest part. “The hardest thing I’ve ever done was leaving him at the airport, but he makes me proud every day.”

Since arriving in the US, Peter has flourished both on and off the pitch. Despite living with dyslexia and struggling in school, he has adapted with support from his college and is now studying general education.

He is working hard to support himself through a job at his college gym, has built strong relationships with family in Pennsylvania and is playing a key role in his team, the Raiders. The team recently achieved a historic win over the Herkimer Generals, their first victory against them in nearly 50 years.

Peter now has his sights set on securing a full scholarship to continue his football career beyond his time at his current college.

Now home with his mum for a few weeks over the summer, Peter is holding down a job while juggling his rigorous fitness regime and continuing his studies.

Reflecting on his journey, he said: “Leaving young has made me mature more. Nothing’s impossible if you’ve got a dream.”

Back in Scotland, Michelle watches every match via livestream, still amazed at how far her son has come. For his 18th birthday, she cashed in a savings bond she had taken out when he was a baby to support him as he continues his journey.

Looking back, both Peter and Michelle believe that it was the early support from Children First that changed everything.

“None of this would have been possible without Children First,” Michelle said. “They changed the direction of my son’s life when we needed it most.”

Charles Graham, Senior Peer Support Worker at the Midlothian Children First team said: “Peter’s story shows the life-changing impact that early support can make for children and families.  

2If families are able to access help at the right time, it can prevent crisis, unlock potential and give children the chance to thrive. Every child should have the opportunity to follow their dreams, no matter the challenges they face.

“It has been a privilege to be a part of Peter’s journey and we wish him every success for the future. We are all so proud of him here at Children First.”

You can help more children like Peter achieve their potential by donating today to Children First: Scottish Children’s Charity Donation | Children First

Children First’s support line is here for anyone worried about a child. Their expert team understand that bringing up children can be tough at times and can provide emotional, practical and financial help on 08000 28 22 33.

Visit www.childrenfirst.org.uk/supportline to find out more.

Edinburgh law firm raises £7,740 for charity Will-writing campaign

A law firm in Edinburgh has raised a brilliant £7,740 by participating in an annual charity Will-writing campaign – making it one of the top-donating firms across the UK this year and the third highest new firm in this year’s campaign.

Ralph Sayer Solicitors and Estate Agents dedicated their time and expertise to writing Wills as part of this year’s Will Aid campaign. Instead of charging their usual fees for basic Wills, they invited clients to make a donation to Will Aid – helping to fund vital charity work in the UK and across the world.

The funds raised will support Will Aid’s partner charities, which carry out work across a range of important causes, from providing humanitarian aid to protecting vulnerable children and those facing hardship here in the UK.

Kimberley Mackay, Partner, said: “We’re delighted to have helped so many people put their affairs in order while raising such a substantial amount for charity as part of Will Aid. It was a real team effort, and we’re incredibly proud to have made such an impact in our first year taking part.

“Well done to all the team and thank you to the people who took part. The money raised will make a real difference to people in need, both here at home and around the world.”

Since its launch in 1988, Will Aid has raised more than £26 million in donations, with millions more pledged in charitable legacies thanks to the generosity of participating solicitors.

Lauren Poole, Chair of Will Aid, praised the firm’s achievement, and said: “A huge congratulations to the team at Ralph Sayer for getting involved in Will Aid for the first time and making such a strong contribution.

“It’s fantastic to see firms embracing the campaign and using their expertise to support both their clients and our partner charities. We’re incredibly grateful for their enthusiasm and commitment.”

Peter de Vena Franks, Will Aid’s Campaign Director, added: “It’s always encouraging to see firms like Ralph Sayer take part in Will Aid for the first time and achieve so much.

“The campaign continues to grow thanks to the support of new participants, and their willingness to give their time and expertise plays a vital role in helping us reach more people and raise essential funds for our charity partners.

“We hope this is the start of a long and rewarding involvement with Will Aid.”

Will Aid runs every November, offering people the opportunity to have a professionally written Will in exchange for a donation. The suggested donation is £120 for a basic single Will and £200 for a pair of basic mirror Wills, with all proceeds supporting Will Aid’s partner charities: Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Crisis, NSPCC, SCIAF (Scotland), Shelter, and Trócaire (Northern Ireland).

To be the first to know when the list of Will Aid solicitors goes live for the 2026 campaign, sign up here: https://www.willaid.org.uk/early-bird

More solicitors are needed each year to meet demand. To find out more about taking part, visit https://www.willaid.org.uk

Join Barnardo’s atop the world-famous Forth Bridge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To donate, volunteer or fundraise, please visit: 

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

Walk4Hope brings support and connection to Scots living with secondary breast cancer

People across central Scotland living with secondary breast cancer will come together in Falkirk this summer for a gentle, supportive walk designed to boost their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Make 2nds Count works across the UK to support those affected by secondary, or metastatic, breast cancer – a condition that can be treated but not cured.

The charity focuses on improving access to tailored support and funding research to extend and improve quality of life. Each year, it directly supports around 2,000 patients and reaches thousands more through education and advocacy.

The event, called Walk4Hope, will bring patients, families and friends together at Falkirk’s Helix Park for a relaxed walk around an accessible 5K route designed with participants’ needs in mind.

Walk4Hope encourages movement while offering a chance to connect with others facing similar challenges. By creating a welcoming environment outdoors, the event aims to lift mood, increase energy and foster a sense of community among those taking part.

The event has been made possible thanks in part to a £493 grant from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, which will cover the cost of hiring the park for the day and pay for the presence of adequate first aid facilities.

Lianne Bryce, Lead Regional Fundraising Manager for Make 2nds Count, said: “The kind donation from Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will allow us to deliver our Walk4Hope event in Scotland, bringing together our patient community, friends and family for a gentle 5K walk in the beautiful Helix Park in Falkirk.

“This 5K stroll offers significant benefits, serving as an accessible, low-impact movement to promote physical well-being, boost mood and increase energy levels. Furthermore, the event creates a supportive community setting that enhances emotional well-being, providing participants with a valuable sense of connection, empathy and companionship.”

Gerry Facenna, founder of Allied Vehicles and Trustee of the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, said: “Cancer affects every family in Scotland, and is a cause very close to my own heart.

“Make 2nds Count is doing important work to support people facing incredibly difficult circumstances. We are pleased to help bring Walk4Hope to Scotland, giving people the chance to come together and support one another.”

Walk4Hope is expected to bring a strong sense of togetherness to all involved, offering connection and support to those who need it most.

Stockbridge Primary goes the extra mile for LifeCare

Pupils, families and local businesses come together to support older people and strengthen the local community

LifeCare Edinburgh is delighted to announce that Stockbridge Primary School has raised an incredible £1,016 through a wonderful whole-school fundraising effort, with every pupil getting involved to support the 85-year-old charity’s vital work tackling loneliness and isolation in the local community.

The fundraising event, organised by Stockbridge Primary Parent Council, saw pupils, families, neighbours and friends from the school community take part in mass workouts and a family-friendly guided walk in Stockbridge – along the pathways of the Water of Leith. Funds raised were shared between LifeCare Edinburgh and Stockbridge Primary Parent Council.  

The event also featured a hugely successful raffle, generously supported by dozens of local businesses and Take Hold Church who collectively donated funds and prizes.

LifeCare offers a range of services for local older people including registered day clubs, outreach support, meals on wheels, help at home and dedicated wellbeing support for unpaid carers.

From its thriving Community Hub and Café on Cheyne Street, LifeCare also delivers a year-round programme of free activities and events designed to reduce loneliness and isolation, strengthen community connections and bring people of all ages together.

Community support has never been more important. With a rapidly growing older population, LifeCare has seen demand for its services increase by 32% over the past year and now supports more than 1,140 local older people annually.

The charity is working hard to ensure older people can continue to thrive in their own homes, stay connected to their communities and avoid the loneliness and isolation that too often accompanies later life.

Claire Montgomery, Fundraising and Communications Manager at LifeCare Edinburgh, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Stockbridge Primary School, the Parent Council, the pupils, families and everyone who took part in making this such a wonderful community event.

“Raising £1,016 is a fantastic achievement and every pound will make a real difference to the lives of local older people and their unpaid carers.

“It is particularly special because this was a true community effort, bringing together generations of local people to support one another. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the businesses who donated raffle prizes so generously.

“Their support demonstrates the incredible community spirit that exists here in Stockbridge. At LifeCare, we believe no one should feel alone or isolated, and this support will help us continue providing practical help, companionship and opportunities for people to stay connected within their communities.“

For more information about LifeCare Edinburgh’s services and activities, visit:  

www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk.

Sir Tom Farmer Foundation support for St Columba’s Hospice

We’re incredibly grateful to announce a gift of £1 million over five years from the Sir Tom Farmer Foundation, made in loving memory of Sir Tom and Lady Anne Farmer.

The donation will support St Columba’s Hospice Care wherever the need is greatest, helping us continue providing compassionate care to patients and families across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

This remarkable gift honours a legacy of generosity and support that has touched our Hospice for many years.

Read the full story on our website:

https://stcolumbashospice.org.uk/news/farmer-family-pledge-£1-million-to-st-columba’s-hospice-care-in-loving-memory-of-sir-tom-and-lady-anne-farmer

Battersea support for Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

We’re incredibly grateful to have received £192,288 through the Future Ready programme, supported by Battersea.

This funding will help strengthen the future of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, allowing us to grow our impact, improve how we work, and ensure we can continue to be there for dogs, cats and the people who love them across Edinburgh and beyond.

With Battersea’s support, we’ll be able to invest in both our people and infrastructure to help meet growing demand for our services.

We’re hugely thankful to Battersea for their belief in our work, their trust and shared commitment to improving animal welfare. Thanks to their support, we can continue to provide safety, care and second chances for dogs and cats who need us most across Edinburgh and beyond for the next 140 years. 

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Vote for local school and community projects supporting children’s access to healthy food

People in Edinburgh can vote for local school and community projects supporting children’s access to healthy food

  • Tesco customers in Edinburgh can now vote for one of three local school and community projects to receive a grant of up to £1,500.
  • Corstorphine Village Playgroup, Liberton High School and What? Why? Children in Hospital are shortlisted, with funding set to support children and young people’s access to healthy food in the community.
  • Voting takes place in-store by dropping the blue token into the relevant box at checkout, and local schools/community groups can apply for future rounds.

A trio of Edinburgh schools and good causes are in the running for much-needed funds to help young people.

Corstorphine Village Playgroup, Liberton High School, and What? Why? Children in Hospital have been selected in the latest round of voting in Tesco’s Free Fruit & Veg grants programme with £500, £1,000 and £1,500 available – and customers can now vote for the one they want to support.

The programme is open to initiatives in Edinburgh that have a clear food focus for young people, including breakfast clubs, holiday food provision, access to healthy snacks for youth groups, community pantries, cookery and nutrition sessions, and food-growing projects that help children learn where food comes from.

The grants form part of Tesco’s wider Fruit & Veg for Schools ambition, giving schools and community groups funding for healthy food projects as the retailer works to help more than one million schoolchildren get fruit and vegetables through its school and community programmes, ran in partnership with community charity Groundwork.

Corstorphine Village Playgroup is keen to receive funding so that it can educate young children on healthy eating.

Also in line for funding is Liberton High School, which is looking to use the money it receives to host a breakfast club every morning for all young people, and deliver food parcels to pupils and their families.

Lastly, What? Why? Children in Hospital will use the grant it gets to help children and parents prepare for a hospital visit to the cardiology department, and answer some of their questions starting with What? and Why?

Claire de Silva, head of community at Tesco, said: “Every child deserves the chance to enjoy healthy food and build the foundations for a stronger future, so we want to support the brilliant schools and community groups in Edinburgh helping children and young people access nutritious food.

“Whether that’s a breakfast club, a pantry, cookery sessions or a project that helps children grow and try new foods, we’d encourage local organisations to apply for the grants – and we’d love shoppers to get involved when the customer vote comes to their local store.”

Customers can vote for the good cause they want to support by dropping the Tesco token they receive at the checkout into the relevant voting box as they leave the store. Each funding round features three local projects, with grants awarded based on the number of tokens received.

Schools and community groups in Edinburgh can apply for funding in future rounds via Tesco, as the retailer looks to support more local projects helping children and young people access healthy, nutritious food. In recent years, thousands of pounds have been donated to Edinburgh good causes.

For more information about the Tesco Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme and find out how to apply for a grant , visit:: https://www.tescoplc.com/fruit-and-veg-grants

Sister runs 78km marathon challenge for disabled brother

A WOMAN has smashed a £10,000 fundraising target by completing four Edinburgh Marathon Festival events in a single weekend- running 78km in two days for the disabled brother she helps care for.

Micaela Church completed the 5km (3.1 miles) and 10km (6.2 miles) on Saturday, followed by the half marathon (21.1km / 13.1 miles) and full marathon (42.2km / 26.2 miles), raising vital funds for Capability Scotland’s Our Inclusive Community Project (OICP).

The new development will replace Upper Springland, the Perth residential facility where her brother Matthew lives, which faces a significant flooding risk that threatens its long-term future.

Matthew, who was born with cytomegalovirus, lives with learning disabilities, autism, epilepsy and severe anxiety that requires round-the-clock specialist care. When Micaela and her siblings became his welfare guardians following the sudden loss of their mother five years ago, Upper Springland’s support proved invaluable to the whole family.

Micaela said: “The team at Upper Springland have taken the time to truly understand Matthew, his needs, his anxieties and the things that bring him joy.

“Knowing he is safe and genuinely cared for gives our whole family peace of mind. That’s what I’m running for.”

The new OICP facility will include a specialist hydrotherapy pool and that detail has driven every training mile. Swimming is where Matthew is at his happiest and the thought of securing that for him, and others like him, gave Micaela’s campaign its purpose.

Micaela remembered her mother returning from the Edinburgh Marathon Festival with a medal, convinced she had won. Decades later, she ran the same course carrying that memory with her.

Ailsa Wallace, Head of Fundraising & Communications at Capability Scotland, said: “What Micaela is taking on is extraordinary both the physical challenge and the dedication behind it.

“Upper Springland has served people from across Scotland for over 40 years. The OICP will ensure that exceptional care continues in a modern, purpose-built environment that truly reflects it and fundraising like this brings that future one step closer.”

To support Micaela’s challenge, visit:

 https://www.justgiving.com/page/manymilesformatthew?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_fundraiser_page_launched

Local Paramedic to run Edinburgh Marathon in full suit of armour

Edinburgh City Paramedic, Jay Watt, is running in this weekend’s Edinburgh Marathon to raise money for SAMH, clad in a full suit of metal armour.

Jay has been running the Edinburgh Marathon every year since 2011 in a new costume to raise money for local and children’s charities. Previous years’ costumes have included Buzz Lightyear, aliens, and a bunny suit, raising money for The Yard and The Teenage Cancer Trust, amongst others.

Speaking about his latest challenge, Jay said: “In my job, I have encountered patients struggling with their mental health, so this year I wanted to raise awareness of the support SAMH give and raise money to help them continue their important work.

“This is my 20th marathon, and I’ve run in big mascot costumes before, but this year I wanted to break through the stigma of mental health and let people know it’s okay to have a chink in your armour.”

In addition to running the marathon, Jay has been putting the suit through its paces by skiing, boxing, kayaking, and more. He has had some help from a Scottish blacksmith, Kev Paxton, to ensure his suit can withstand each challenge.

Jay said: “Kev has helped me adjust the suit so I can do these activities in it and raise as much awareness as I can.

“By taking part in these sports and fitness activities, I am looking to encourage a positive vibe about mental health and encouraging people to reach out.”

Follow Jay’s journey and donate to his fundraiser here: 

https://www.justgiving.com/page/jay-watt-6?fbclid=IwY2xjawR6UwNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF2THpPak1NRUtXMzFEM3Zrc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTE0NzcxNTY5MjI4MDYxAAEeEBNPDXJ6JmNWNClTw1K_8aDpgLquv-7udeB17cUE3ihSc37gTnW2rUjFZm4_aem_JBv0cfBcER4Nr4Vm4Nq9YA