Tag: charity support

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

Contini George Street partners with Maggie’s Edinburgh for month-long fundraising campaign

Contini George Street is proud to announce a meaningful new partnership with Maggie’s Edinburgh, a charity offering expert cancer support and information in Edinburgh.

The newly formed partnership will support the charity’s vital cancer care services throughout the month of May through a series of fundraising initiatives, headlined by a pre-loved designer pop-up shop and a specially curated menu designed to reflect the spirit and colors of Maggie’s.

From May 14th to 17th, the former Jo Malone shop at 93 George Street will be transformed into Maggie’s Boutique, featuring over 1,200 donated lines of high-end designer fashion.

To celebrate the collaboration, anyone visiting the pop-up will receive a voucher for a complimentary Maggie’s Cocktail (available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions). 

The voucher can be redeemed at Contini George Street with the purchase of any main course during lunch or dinner service and featured cocktails include:

  • Brindisi per Maggie: A refreshing Passion Fruit Spritz with prosecco, Aperol, passionfruit, and mint.
  • Dolce Maggie (Non-alcoholic): A sophisticated blend of Crodino Biondo, soda, and 0% ABV sparkling wine.

These cocktails will also be available for general purchase at £10, with £1 from every drink sold donated directly to the charity.

For the entire month of May, Contini George Street will also feature two dedicated dishes on their à la carte and breakfast menus, with a portion of every sale supporting Maggie’s fundraising goals.

  • Buongiorno Maggie’s (£9): A breakfast delight of seasonal fruit salad with Graham’s Greek yoghurt, Victor’s honey, and homemade granola.
  • Maggie’s Giardino (£20): A nutritious take on the classic Italian Caprese, substituting traditional red tomatoes for orange Datterini tomatoes and fresh Italian apricots to match Maggie’s signature branding. This vegetarian and gluten-free dish features Mozzarella di bufala DOP, Contini kitchen garden basil, and Victor’s organic extra virgin olive oil.

Carina Contini, co-owner of Contini Restaurants, said: “We are incredibly proud to collaborate with Maggie’s this May. Our ‘Maggie’s Giardino’ dish is a tribute to their work. We invite all our regulars and new visitors to the George Street pop-up to join us in raising a glass, and more importantly, vital funds for a charity that holds a special place in the hearts of so many Edinburgh residents.”

By combining the reach of Contini’s George Street presence with the high-profile designer pop-up, both organisations hope to drive significant foot traffic and awareness for cancer care support in the capital.

Maggie’s Edinburgh Fundraising Manager Samantha Lea said: “We are so grateful to Contini for supporting us this May, particularly with Maggie’s Boutique later this month.

“As a charity we rely almost entirely on voluntary donations to support people facing a cancer diagnosis, as well as their family and friends.

“It is 30 years since we opened our centre in Edinburgh, the first of what is now 27 across the UK, and thanks to partnerships like this one with Contini we are able to reach even more people living with cancer from across the whole Lothian region.”

Event Details & Opening Times

Maggie’s Boutique Pop-Up (93 George Street):

  • Thursday, May 14th: Noon – 9:00 PM
  • Friday, May 15th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, May 16th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday, May 17th: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Contini George Street (103 George Street):

  • Maggie’s Fundraising Menu: Available daily throughout May 2026.
  • Cocktail Voucher Redemption: Valid for pop-up visitors during event dates.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Eventbrite booking page.

Aldi Scotland brings Supermarket Sweep to Edinburgh & the Lothians in support of CHAS

Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep is back for another year, giving shoppers in Edinburgh & the Lothians the chance to raise vital funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

Inspired by the iconic game show, the high-energy challenge is set to bring a buzz to the aisles, offering one lucky EH postcode holder the chance to race through their local Aldi store in Edinburgh & the Lothians and fill the trolley with their favourite products.

Now in its eleventh year, the initiative has raised over £60,000 for charities across Scotland.

First launched in 2016, the Supermarket Sweep invites participants to take part in a five-minute trolley dash, collecting as many items as possible before the clock runs out. Once time is called, the winner takes home their haul, while Aldi matches the total value as a donation to CHAS.

Each year, CHAS supports more than 500 babies, children and young people across Scotland with life-shortening conditions, along with their families. In 2026, every penny raised through Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep will go directly to the charity, with £10,000 pledged in support.

This April, CHAS launched its £20 million More Than A Hospice appeal, a once in a generation opportunity to transform children’s palliative care across Scotland and redesign how the country cares for children with life‑shortening conditions and their families.

The appeal will fund the crucial rebuilding and refreshing of CHAS’s hospices, alongside the expansion of care in homes, communities and hospitals, giving families real choice over where and how they are supported when they need it most.

Residents in Edinburgh & the Lothians can apply to take part in the Supermarket Sweep from Monday 11 May – Sunday 24 May.

Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “We are proud to once again be partnering with CHAS, following the success of last year’s Supermarket Sweep campaign.

“It is always a highlight to bring this initiative to communities across Scotland, and we’re looking forward to giving one lucky Edinburgh & the Lothians resident the chance to enjoy a truly unique supermarket experience.

“CHAS is a charity very close to our hearts, providing vital support to families across the country. As the Supermarket Sweep returns for 2026, we are pleased to once again raise important funds and awareness for the incredible work they do.”

Iain McAndrew, Director of Income Generation and Engagement, CHAS said: “Last year’s partnership with Aldi Scotland was a huge success, with the team going above and beyond to raise vital funds and awareness through its Supermarket Sweep and a range of generous initiatives.

“That support has had a real impact on the families we care for and means so much to everyone involved.

“This year, we have really ambitious plans. Our bold £20 million More Than A Hospice appeal comes at a critical time and will allow CHAS to meet rising pressure on children’s palliative care services by transforming how Scotland cares for its most vulnerable children and families.

“Across Scotland, we support babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions, as well as their families, through a range of services including specialist palliative care, respite stays, emotional support and bereavement care.

“Every contribution makes a difference, and we are incredibly grateful to Aldi Scotland and everyone taking part for helping us reach more children and families across the country.”

Entry is free and customers can apply by emailing their name and chosen store to supermarketsweep@aldi.co.uk before Sunday 24 May.

Further details and full T&Cs can be found at: https://www.aldi.co.uk/supermarketsweep

For more information about CHAS and how to support its work, visit: 

https://www.chas.org.uk/

Tesco team backs Corstorphine dementia charity with kitchen equipment donation

  • The team at Tesco Extra in Corstorphine donated £200 to Corstorphine Dementia Project for new kitchen equipment.
  • The equipment will support the charity, who host the Jubilee Club, a lunch and social event for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
  • The charity has launched a crowdfunding page to help renovate their new premises.

The team at Tesco Extra supermarket in Corstorphine has supported a local dementia charity with a donation of £200, which has been used to purchase new kitchen equipment.

The equipment, which includes kettles, toasters and utensils, will help support the team at Corstorphine Dementia Project, which hosts a day service on Monday to Fridays each week for members to enjoy regular lunch events where people with Alzheimer’s and dementia can meet, enjoy lunch and socialise.

This donation comes at a vital time for the group, which, for more than 30 years, has been a well-known, and vital community lifeline, providing essential support for families in North West Edinburgh.

With its current premises planned to be demolished within 12 months, the charity has found a new home that will secure its future for decades to come, allowing its caring and dedicated team to continue providing the care and support that families in North West Edinburgh have come to rely on. 

However, the new premises require refurbishment, so the Corstorphine Dementia Project has launched a Crowdfunder page to raise £35,000 which will go towards the work needed on the new site.

Karen Brown, Senior Support Worker at the Corstorphine Dementia Project, said: “We’re hugely grateful for this incredible donation and we’d like to thank the lovely team at Tesco Extra Corstorphine for their support.

“It has made a real difference and is very much appreciated by both our members and the team.

“Our group’s day-care centre, the Jubilee Club, provides a safe, supportive and stimulating environment where people living with dementia and cognitive impairment can enjoy meaningful activities, social interaction and personalised care.

“With this new equipment, we can continue providing them with tasty lunches and hot drinks, while giving them an opportunity to socialise with other members in the community.

“We’re also grateful for any donations to our crowdfunding page, which will allow us to continue our vital work, securing our future in an environment where we can thrive and make an even greater impact. We hope to create a new home that fosters hope, inclusion and growth.”

Deborah Brown, Community Champion at Tesco Corstorphine Extra, said: “The vital work carried out by the Corstorphine Dementia Project at its Jubilee Club is an incredibly important part of our community, so we were really delighted to be able to play our part in supporting them.

“The sessions they host for people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia are wonderful and we wish them the best of luck working on securing more funding for their new premises and urge our customers to donate to their crowdfunding page if they can.”

To donate to the Corstorphine Dementia Project crowdfunding page, please visit: 

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/dyjoAa1l?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink

SAS emergency responders to run Edinburgh Half Marathon for SCAA

Five emergency responders in Aberdeen will take part in the Edinburgh Half Marathon later this month to raise money for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).

Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) staff Saoirse Killian (Paramedic), Katie Ross (Paramedic), Mia Bremner (Paramedic), Lauren Dunridge (Technician) and Sophie Fraser (Technician) will run the 13.1 miles on 24 May.

SCAA operate two helicopters which supplement the two helicopters and two fixed- wing aircraft which are operated by SAS and are government funded.

Mia said: “We have all experienced first-hand the life-saving impact of the charity air ambulance, from providing vital support to ground crews to enabling a rapid response in rural areas and ensuring patients are conveyed to the most appropriate setting for definitive care.”

Criona Knight, SCAA’s Director of Development and Engagement, said: “As a charity, we work in close partnership with the experienced clinical and paramedic teams at the Scottish Ambulance Service, and we see their expertise and dedication every day.

“We are very grateful to Saoirse, Katie, Mia, Lauren and Sophie for their fundraising efforts. We will all be right behind them on Sunday 24 May, supporting them as they take on this challenge. Lives are saved across Scotland every day thanks to the teams at SAS and SCAA.

“Through this effort, they are going even further by helping to raise vital funds. On behalf of the whole team, I would like to say a huge thank you, and we look forward to seeing you at the finish line.”

Completion of South Queensferry homes triggers charity donation

Funding linked to new homes will help reinstate vital music sessions for older people

MUSIC-LED sessions for older people in South Queensferry are set to return after a charitable donation from a major housing developer.

A £2,500 contribution from Cala Homes (East) was given to Manor Estates Housing Association (MEHA) and its community fund following the final handover of 25 social rent properties at the Queensferry Heights housing development.

The full amount has been awarded to Queensferry Churches Care in the Community (QCCC) to restart popular music sessions that had been scaled back due to financial pressures.

Derek Lawson, Strategic Land Director at Cala Homes (East), said: “We are pleased to see this community benefit donation support such a worthwhile, local cause.

“At Cala, we are committed not only to delivering high-quality homes, but also to making a positive contribution to the communities in which we build.

“It is particularly rewarding to know this donation will help QCCC continue its valuable work supporting older people and reducing social isolation.”

QCCC supports around 400 older people each year across South Queensferry and surrounding communities, helping to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing through a range of services and activities.

The organisation had been forced to scale back some of its music-based sessions due to financial pressures, despite their proven benefits for emotional wellbeing, memory stimulation and social connection.

Claire Ironside, CEO of Manor Estates Housing Association, said: “We know just how beneficial these sessions are, particularly for older people. To be able to help bring them back through this funding is incredibly rewarding and shows the value of partnership working in action.”

The latest handover between Cala and Manor Estates brings Cala’s total delivery to 44 affordable homes across the development, forming part of a wider commitment tied to the site and local community.

The homes include a mix of houses and flats designed to meet a range of housing needs, helping to address ongoing demand for high-quality affordable housing in the area.

Claire added: “It has been hugely reassuring working with Cala throughout this development. The quality has been consistent from start to finish, and the finished homes are ones we are genuinely proud to offer to tenants.”

Big Give Christmas Challenge 2026 opens for application

• Last year, the campaign raised a record £57.4 million in one week
 • More than 1,500 charities took part in last year’s campaign
 • Applications are now open to charities across all sectors

Big Give has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 Christmas Challenge. Charities of all sizes are invited to apply to take part in the week long initiative, which continues to grow year on year and offers organisations the opportunity to double donations during the festive giving season.

Applications for the 2026 Christmas Challenge open on 11th May 2026 and close on 3rd July 2026 at 5pm, giving charities a limited window to secure their place in the campaign.

The Christmas Challenge, which takes place in early December to coincide with Giving Tuesday, enables charities to secure match funding from Big Give’s network of Champion funders, including philanthropists, foundations and corporate partners. This model allows public donations to be doubled, significantly increasing the impact of each contribution.

Confirmed Champions in 2026 include The Reed Foundation, The Childhood Trust, The Reed Educational Trust, The Monday Charitable Trust, The Hospital Saturday Fund amongst many others. Big Give is also delighted to announce a new partnership with the St. James’s Place Foundation, which will ring‑fence its Champion funding specifically for the hospice sector.

The campaign builds on strong momentum from previous years. In 2025, more than 1,500 charities participated, raising a record £57.4 million with the support of over 150,000 donors. The initiative has become a vital fundraising moment for the sector, particularly as charities continue to navigate rising costs and increasing demand for services.

Through the Christmas Challenge, participating organisations also gain access to a range of support, including training, campaign tools and marketing guidance, helping them to strengthen their digital fundraising capabilities and engage new audiences. 

Last year, charities estimated that almost a third of all of the donations they received in the campaign were from new supporters. In addition, 92% of the charities reported increased confidence in digital fundraising and 98% of the charities would recommend the campaign to another charity. 

Alongside flagship campaigns like the Christmas Challenge, Big Give also delivers targeted initiatives such as Small Charity Week, which focuses on supporting smaller organisations to build resilience and grow their fundraising potential.

Alex Day, Managing Director, Big Give, said: “Following another record-breaking year for the Christmas Challenge, which raised an incredible £57.4 million in just one week, we’re delighted to open applications for 2026 and welcome charities from across the sector to be part of this growing movement.

“The campaign continues to demonstrate the power of collective giving, bringing together Champion funders, charities and the public to achieve extraordinary impact. As demand for charitable services rises, the Christmas Challenge remains a vital opportunity for organisations to amplify their fundraising and reach new supporters, doubling donations at a time when generosity is at its peak.”

Applications are now open, with charities encouraged to apply early to take advantage of one of the most significant fundraising opportunities in the UK calendar.

For more information and to apply, please visit Big Give’s Christmas Challenge page

Stockbridge Parent Council charity walk this Saturday

Stockbridge Primary Parent Council are hosting a charity walk, with half the proceeds being kindly donated to LifeCare.

The walk is completely free, and a lovely opportunity for everyone to get out, enjoy good company and have a picnic and raffle afterwards!

9.30am-11.30am this Saturday.

The walk starts at Saunders St EH3 6TQ in Stockbridge👣

#freevent

#stockbridgeevent

#raffle

‘May the 4th be with you’: Edinburgh’s 2026 Capital Sci-Fi Con raises over £64,000 for CHAS

In a fitting tribute to Star Wars Day, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) has announced that this year’s Capital Sci-Fi Con raised more than £64,000 to support its vital work across the country.

Held annually at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange, the convention returned in February, welcoming sci-fi fans from across the UK for a weekend packed with celebrity appearances, cosplay, and immersive fan experiences.

This year’s star-studded line-up included Pirates of the Caribbean actor Kevin McNally, Game of Thrones star Murray McArthur, and Peggy — better known to fans as Dogpool, the beloved canine star of Deadpool & Wolverine.

Since its launch in 2016, Capital Sci-Fi Con has raised over £548,000 for CHAS. The event was founded by West Lothian volunteer fundraiser Keith Armour, whose passion and dedication have helped grow the convention into one of Scotland’s most successful fan-led fundraising events.

CHAS now leads the organisation of the convention, with Keith continuing to support in an advisory role alongside a dedicated committee of volunteers.

Laura Campbell, Head of Community Fundraising and Retail at CHAS, said: “On a day when fans across the world celebrate ‘May the 4th be with you’, we’re absolutely delighted to share that this year’s Capital Sci-Fi Con raised an incredible £64,232.53 in net profit.

“We’d like to thank everyone who bought tickets and came along to support the event. Every pound raised helps CHAS continue providing vital care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families across Scotland.”