charity support – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Callum set to take on Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon

Scot set to take on Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon this year in support of motor neuron disease charity

Callum Steell, 34, will take on the Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon on 10 October 2026 in support of MND Scotland, and for his mother, Karen, who is living with motor neuron disease.

Callum lives with his wife, Clare, and works in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, for Charles Tennant – a leading independent chemical manufacturer.

In June 2024, Callum’s mother, Karen, was diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND).

MND is a rapidly progressing terminal neurological illness, which stops signals from the brain reaching the muscles. This causes muscle weakness and wasting. MND can rob someone of the ability to walk, talk, swallow, and breathe.

Speaking about his mother’s diagnosis, Callum said, “My mum had been struggling with her speech and mobility for some time. It took about two and a half years of tests, and various hospital and doctor appointments before they could get to the bottom of it.”

MND affects everyone differently. A person may not develop all the symptoms, and their symptoms may progress at a different rate to someone else with MND.

Following her MND diagnosis, Karen made adaptations to her home, including her bed room and bathroom, to make things a bit easier going forward. She’s also had a recliner installed at home, has been reviewing wheelchair options, and banked her voice.

Callum said, “My mum is still able to get out and about and do plenty, which we are ex tremely grateful for, because we know others aren’t as fortunate. But we know how quickly things can change.”

In support of his mum and other families affected by MND, Callum will take on the GB Ultra Marathon event from Glasgow to Edinburgh on 10 October to help raise funds for MND Scotland.

He said, “It starts at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow, just along from the West End, and then heads out the canal roads and finishes at Saughton Sports Complex in Edinburgh.”

Callum has been following a vigorous training routine to help prepare for the challenge, “I’m trying to build up the distance as much as possible each week. I’m currently running between 60km per week and at my peak the week out from the race, that will be up to nearly 85km all in.

“This involves not only long-distance runs, but also strength sessions to keep the mus cles as strong as possible. Recovery also fits into that too, all the while balancing a busy work and family life.”

Callum will take in a total of 57miles (92km) and an elevation of 231m as part of the challenge.

Some of Callum’s friends from the gym he attends took part in the Ultra Marathon last year in the hope of completing a personal challenge. This gave him the idea to take part for his mum and to help raise vital funds for MND Scotland to help other families af fected by the disease and to support MND research.

This isn’t the first time Callum has raised funds for MND Scotland. In 2025, he partici pated in and completed the Manchester Marathon and helped to raise £2,000 for MND Scotland.

Callum said, “I have had a personal trainer for the last couple of years now. I’ve always been quite competitive, so I want to try and complete it in as best a time as possible.

“My mum is always so proud that I’m taking on the challenge, which is so nice to hear.”

MND Scotland would like to thank Callum for his support in the upcoming Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon and wish him the best of luck in his training.

If you would like to support his challenge by donating, please visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/callum-steell-2

To make time count for families affected by MND by taking on your own challenge and help raise funds, please visit www.mndscotland.org.uk or email:

fundraising@mnscotland.org.uk for more information.

Edinburgh mum takes on five-race charity challenge

Four ultramarathons and London Marathon planned for The Yard

AN EDINBURGH mum is preparing to cover more than 300 miles in 2027 for a beloved Scottish disability charity.

Katie Fairbairn, 36, will take on four ultramarathons and the London Marathon during the 40th anniversary year of The Yard, which supports disabled children, young people and their families across Scotland.

A mum of three young boys, Katie has gone from completing her first ultramarathons earlier this year to building an Instagram community of nearly 7,000 followers and being selected as a Rat Race ambassador for 2027.

Katie said: “I’m not an elite athlete. I’m an ordinary mum of three who decided to find out what might happen if I kept putting one foot in front of the other.

“I never imagined that would lead to completing a 70-mile and 100-mile ultramarathon, becoming a Rat Race ambassador and signing up for five huge challenges in a single year.

“Balancing training with family life, work and a new business won’t be easy, but The Yard is a charity that means a great deal to us and that will keep me going when things get tough.

“Its 40th anniversary feels like the perfect opportunity to celebrate everything it has achieved and help ensure more families can benefit from its support in the years ahead.”

Before her recent challenges, the only organised running event Katie had completed was a 10K race back in 2008.

This year she completed Rat Race’s 70-mile The Wall ultramarathon and the 100-mile Castle to Castle challenge from Edinburgh to Glamis, raising close to £4,500 for charities including Held In Our Hearts and The Yard.

Through her Instagram account, @frommummytoultra, Katie shares the realities of balancing endurance training with work, family life and everyday commitments.

Dan Gerrard, Head of Fundraising at The Yard, said: “As we prepare to celebrate our 40th anniversary, everyone at The Yard is absolutely thrilled to have Katie’s support.

“To complete four ultramarathons and the London Marathon in a single year will be an incredible achievement and we could not be more proud of her. The Yard provides vital opportunities, support and inclusive play for disabled children, young people and their families across Scotland, and we simply couldn’t do that without champions like Katie.

“She is an inspiration and we’ll be right behind her every step of the way. We hope as many people as possible will support her challenge and help us continue delivering life-changing services for families across Scotland.”

Founded in Edinburgh in 1987, The Yard provides inclusive play, family support and community services for disabled children and young people from birth to age 25. The charity operates centres in Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow and Kirkcaldy, alongside outreach services supporting families in communities across Scotland.

Each year, thousands of children, young people and family members benefit from The Yard’s services, which provide opportunities to play, build confidence, form friendships and access support in a safe and welcoming environment.

Donations can be made via this Just Giving link.

Rat Race is one of the UK’s best-known adventure and endurance event organisers, staging challenges across the country ranging from ultramarathons to multi-day expeditions.

As a Rat Race ambassador, Katie will help promote events, share her experiences with fellow participants and encourage others to take on challenges they may never have thought possible.

20 women, 12 hours of football, £2,000 target SMASHED!

A group of 20 women took on a 12-hour continuous football match on Sunday to raise money for St Columba’s Hospice Care.

Two teams played 7-a-side football from 8am until 8pm at South Queensferry Hub in an endurance challenge.

The women hoped to raise at least £2,000 for St Columba’s, who also kindly provided playing strips for the day, but organiser Amie Johnston has been in touch to report that the group has raised £3500, ‘playing all day in the rain!’

https://www.justgiving.com/page/amie-johnston-1

ScottishPower teams up with Sir Chris Hoy ahead of Tour de 4 return

Olympic legend leads training session with employees as company backs Tour de 4 for a second year

Sir Chris Hoy joined ScottishPower employees in Glasgow to share expert cycling tips ahead of this year’s Tour de 4, as the leading renewable energy company confirmed its support for the unique fundraising event for a second consecutive year.

The six-time Olympic champion met a group of colleagues taking part in the challenge at Bellahouston Park, where he led a relaxed training ride and advice session designed to help riders prepare for the event taking place in Glasgow on Sunday, 6 September.

The gathering brought together employees with a range of cycling abilities and personal motivations for taking part in Tour de 4, reflecting the event’s core aim of building a community around those living with and affected by cancer.

Founded by Sir Chris, Tour de 4 challenges perceptions around living with stage 4 cancer while raising vital funds for cancer charities across the UK. Last year’s inaugural event raised more than £3 million, with Sir Chris hoping to inspire even more people to take part in 2026.

Sir Chris Hoy said: “It was brilliant to get out on the bike with some of the ScottishPower team today and hear their stories ahead of Tour de 4.

“What makes this event so special is that everybody has their own reason for taking part. Some are riding for loved ones, some for friends, some because they’ve been affected by cancer themselves, but together they become part of something much bigger.

“Last year’s event was incredible. We saw so many people come together and raised more than £3 million, creating an amazing atmosphere and a genuine sense of community.

“This year, we want to build on that and encourage even more people to get involved. Tour de 4 is about bringing people together. Everyone who takes part has their own reason for being there, but together we create a community that can make a real difference.

“I’m delighted that the ScottishPower team will once again be joining us on the start line.”

Andrew Ward, CEO ScottishPower’s Customer Business, said: “We are incredibly proud to support Tour de 4 for a second year and continue our support for Sir Chris and his inspiring vision.

“Tour de 4 is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together behind a common cause. Whether riding, volunteering or cheering from the sidelines, our teams are proud to play their part and help support the fight against cancer.”

ScottishPower’s support for Tour de 4 reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting people affected by cancer. Separate from Tour de 4, ScottishPower has partnered with Cancer Research UK since 2012.

Together with its customers and employees, the company has raised over £45 million for the charity, helping to fund life-saving research for more than a decade.

Womens’ football charity challenge to support St Columba’s Hospice Care

CHARITY EVENT: South Queensferry on Sunday 30 August 2026

A group of 20 women are taking on a 12-hour continuous football match to raise money for St Columba’s Hospice Care. Two teams will play 7-a-side football from 8am until 8pm at South Queensferry Hub, with only three substitutes per team, so it’s going to be a real endurance challenge!

We’re hoping to raise at least £2,000 for St Columba’s Hospice Care, which provides vital care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across Edinburgh and the Lothians. St Columba’s have also very kindly provided our playing strips for the day.

We’re getting incredibly close to our target and would love to spread the word as widely as possible. (JustGiving)

KSQ Football Club have kindly donated the use of their facilities for the event, and we’d love to welcome anyone who wants to come along, support us and cheer the women through the 12 hours.

Our fundraising page is here:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/amie-johnston-1

Many thanks,

Amie Johnston

Cala Homes (East) helps volunteer group grow greener communities and tackle loneliness

Community Pledge funding supports local volunteers, improving green spaces, supporting wildlife and bringing people together

A volunteer group helping to tackle loneliness while transforming community spaces across Midlothian has received funding from leading housebuilder Cala Homes (East) to continue its work.

Newton Hutters, the local Men’s Shed based at Newton Church Centre, has been awarded more than £660 through Cala Homes (East)’s Community Pledge initiative, linked to its nearby Craighall Village development in Millerhill.

Established in 2021, in response to the social isolation experienced by many individuals following the pandemic, the group provides a welcoming space where people can make friends, learn new skills and support one another while undertaking practical projects that improve the local community.

Today, the group’s 16 members meet regularly to share skills and deliver projects that make a lasting difference locally, including growing fresh produce for Danderhall Community Pantry, creating accessible planters for residents at Angres Court, and building outdoor play and learning spaces for more than 20 children attending Danderhall Primary School’s after-school club.

The recent boost in funding from Cala has enabled the group to purchase essential gardening equipment and materials, including lightweight telescopic tools, soaker hoses and 100 native hedgerow plants, helping members continue projects that benefit both local people and wildlife.

***Credit should read Sandy Young/scottishphotographer.com***

Elaine Carrigan, Sales and Marketing Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “Newton Hutters is making a remarkable difference across the local community.

“Not only are members helping create greener, more welcoming spaces, but they’re also supporting local families, encouraging biodiversity and providing an invaluable place where people can come together, build friendships and combat loneliness.

“Through our Community Pledge, we’re proud to support initiatives that create lasting benefits for local communities, and we’re delighted this funding will help the group continue its fantastic work.”

Erika Pryde, Chair of the group, expressed her gratitude for the donation. She said: “Receiving this funding means we can continue projects that make a real difference to local people while also protecting and enhancing our environment.

“The lightweight tools make gardening much more accessible for many of our members, while the soaker hose has already helped us keep our vegetables thriving through the recent dry weather, allowing us to continue supplying fresh produce to the community pantry.

“Meanwhile the native hedgerow will provide food, shelter and wildlife corridors for years to come, creating lasting benefits for birds, pollinators and other local wildlife.

“Just as importantly, Newton Hutters is a place where people can come together, make friends and feel part of something. Many of our members have told us it has helped them overcome loneliness and given them a renewed sense of purpose. We hope this funding will allow us to continue making a positive difference, both for our members and for the wider community.”

Cala’s Community Pledge goes beyond planning expectations, supporting local community groups and organisations throughout the lifecycle of local developments, and in collaboration with the community to ensure local needs are addressed.

To learn more about Cala’s Craighall Village development in Millerhill or its Community Pledge, visit: Craighall Village | Cala Homes.

TODAY: Hobbycraft’s Superhero Saturday returns

Capes, crafts and community: Hobbycraft’s Superhero Saturday returns to raise vital funds for children’s hospices

The UK’s largest arts and crafts retailer, Hobbycraft, is calling on the nation’s creative superheroes to get involved as its much-loved Superhero Saturday fundraising event returns to stores across the UK today, raising vital funds for long-standing charity partner, Together for Short Lives.

Hobbycraft colleagues and customers will be encouraged to unleash their creative superpowers, with stores transformed into heroic headquarters for a day of fundraising, fun and creativity. From dressing up as favourite superheroes to taking part in creative activities, bake sales and other fundraising challenges, there will be plenty of ways for customers to get involved and show their support.

Every pound raised will help support Together for Short Lives and the UK’s 52 children’s hospices, providing vital care and support to children living with serious illness and their families.

Hobbycraft has partnered with Together for Short Lives since 2012, with colleagues and customers raising an incredible £3.4 million and counting over almost 14 years. The partnership is built around a shared belief in the power of creativity, art and play to bring joy, connection and precious moments to families facing unimaginably difficult circumstances.

Natalie Amosu, Marketing Director at Hobbycraft, comments: “At Hobbycraft, we believe creativity has the (super)power to bring comfort, joy and connection, and there’s no better example of that than Superhero Saturday.

“Every cape made, every craft sold and every pound raised helps give families facing unimaginable circumstances a little more support. Powered by our incredible colleagues and customers, we are all committed to making this event magical and memorable.”

Nick Carroll, Chief Executive at Together for Short Lives, comments: “Sitting right at the heart of our partnership is the shared belief that art and play have the power to enrich the lives of the children and families we support.

“To them, it’s not just painting, drawing and crafting. It’s a smile, a story and a memory made which that family will treasure forever.

“We’re so grateful to every single caped crusader and creative customer at Hobbycraft who no doubt will make this year’s Superhero Saturday the best one yet.”

Superhero Saturday will take place in Hobbycraft stores across the UK today – Saturday 22^nd August.

Customers can visit their local store to take part in fundraising activities and help support children’s hospices and the families who rely on their vital services.

Tomorrow: Summer-themed flower arranging workshop at Granton Castle Walled Garden

Summer-themed flower arranging workshop with Ochre Botanical Studios

This Sunday, 16 August, at Granton Castle Walled Garden

Drop-in session from 2-4 pm

Come along and make a small hanging design.

#flowerarranging

#grantoncastlewalledgarden

#workshop #freeevents

#communityevents

#flowerworkshop

Edinburgh schools urged to turn leftover holiday money into meals for hungry children

Edinburgh back-to-school appeal: Schools urged to turn leftover holiday money into meals for hungry children

As kids prepare to go back to class after the summer holidays, schools across Edinburgh are being encouraged to launch foreign currency collections and turn leftover coins and notes into meals for hungry children.

Through Mary’s Meals, even the smallest amount can have a life-changing impact on hungry children living in some of the world’s poorest communities. It costs just 10p to provide a nutritious meal in a place of education, while only £19.15 provides meals for a child for a whole school year.

The school feeding charity is calling on schools to start foreign currency fundraisers and asking parents to check pockets, purses and wallets for forgotten holiday money that can be sent into school with their children for the start of the new term.

St Richard’s Catholic College in East Sussex has run foreign currency collections since 2024, generating £733 for Mary’s Meals, enough to feed 38 hungry children for a full school year.

Lidia Mead, Subject Leader for RE at St Richard’s, says: “I am always blown away by the amount we collect through foreign currency collections. We all have some leftover money from our holidays, and what better way to get rid of it than to help feed children – an amazing, simple idea.”

As well as raising vital funds for Mary’s Meals, Mrs Mead believes the collections have a lasting impact on her students.

She adds: “They do a huge amount of charity work through the likes of cake sales and raffles, but this way of fundraising is different. Pupils know the money is turned into meals for children, which helps them realise the great work they are doing. Being able to feed a child for under £20 a year really puts things into perspective for them too.”

Mary’s Meals, founded in a shed in the Scottish Highlands in 2002, provides school meals to more than three million children in 16 countries, including Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, every school day. The promise of a daily meal encourages children into the classroom, where they gain an education and hope for a better tomorrow.

Funds generated through a foreign currency fundraiser can help the charity reach children like seven-year-old Sitraka, a pupil at Sahafy Primary School in Madagascar. Like many in his community, Sitraka’s household faces hunger.

The introduction of daily school meals has transformed Sitraka’s life, as the meal he receives at school is sometimes the only meal he has all day. “The food at school is delicious,” he says, “but at home, we never have anything that tastes this good.”

This reliable access to food has significantly improved both Sitraka’s attendance and academic performance. Education is vital for Sitraka’s future; it paves the way for a stable job when he grows up, provides a ladder out of poverty for him and his family, and the prospect of a brighter future.

Schools can start making a difference today simply by requesting a free foreign currency pack on the Mary’s Meals website and galvanising parents and pupils to get involved.

Regional Development Officer at Mary’s Meals, Gerrard McMahon, says: “We’d love for your school to set up its own foreign currency collection! We’ll provide everything you need, including envelopes, a collection box and clear instructions. We accept coins and notes from any country, as well as old UK currency no longer in circulation.

“If you have old coins and notes sitting in drawers and wallets, don’t let them go to waste. Too often, hunger holds a child back from the future they deserve, keeping them out of school and communities stuck in a cycle of poverty… year after year. With the promise of a daily school meal, we can overcome this barrier and allow a child to unleash their full potential.”

For more information, visit www.marysmeals.org.uk/foreign-currency

It costs just £19.15 to feed a child for a year with Mary’s Meals. But a donation of any value can set a child up for life, with their success being the true legacy of your gift. It’s one school meal today – a teacher, community leader, or business owner tomorrow.

Sign up for Portobello Beach Race

SUNDAY 30th AUGUST at 10am

Portobello Beach Race 2026

Join Portobello Running Club on Sunday 30 August at 10:00am for four miles of racing along Portobello Beach at low tide.

Every finisher will receive a bespoke wooden Portobello Beach Race keyring as a lasting memento of the day.

All proceeds will support two fantastic good causes:

Equal access to sporting enrichment activities at Towerbank Primary School
Fresh Start, helping people who have experienced homelessness establish themselves in their new homes

There is plenty more to look forward to:

£50 Up & Running vouchers for both our male and female winners
More fantastic winners’ prizes
A huge variety of spot prizes, giving runners throughout the field the chance to win
A raffle featuring more than £400 worth of prizes
A delicious community bake sale

The race is friendly, inclusive and welcoming to runners of all abilities. Come along to race, support brilliant local causes and enjoy a fantastic morning on the beach!

Entry is £10:

https://www.entrycentral.com/Portobello-Beach-Race

Please share the event and help us make this year’s Portobello Beach Race our best yet!