Tag: charity support

Comedy legends raise over £28,000 at Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit

Sixth annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit brings the total amount raised for The Brain Tumour Charity to over £138,000

Comedy stars Dara Ó Briain, Milton Jones, Rose Matafeo, Angela Barnes, Ian Smith, Carl Donnelly, Kanan Gill, Amy Gledhill, Takashi Wakasugi and James Roque came together last night (Tuesday 13th August) in support of a special charity benefit at McEwan Hall.

The one-night-only show returned for its sixth year to raise money for The Brain Tumour Charity – the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. 

It has been announced today {Wednesday 14th Aug] that the 2024 Underbelly Big Brain Tumour Benefit has raised almost £15,000.  (UPDATE -Thursday 15th: That total has risen to £28,000!) All the money raised will go to The Brain Tumour Charity – a cause which is very close to Underbelly’s heart. The annual show was inspired by seven-year-old Alfie Bartlam, son of Underbelly Director Ed and his wife Lucinda, who died of a brain tumour in 2019.

100% of the ticket income goes straight to The Brain Tumour Charity. This and an additional £1,541 in donations brought the total raised on the night to £14,428.

Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder, said: “A huge thank you to the amazing performers from last night, to the incredible audience members, and to everyone who contributed through our JustGiving page. Your support means so much to us. 

“Underbelly is so proud to have raised £14,428 from last night’s show, with all box office income going directly to The Brain Tumour Charity and our specific fund to support an incredibly exciting paediatric brain tumour research and treatment project. Our goal is to raise £1.5 million by 2025 for this project.

“We’re doing this through a range of fundraising events and this annual Fringe show is an important part of that.”

Hannah Bowler, Corporate Partnership Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are so proud to partner with Underbelly for the 6th Big Brain Tumour Benefit and are grateful for their continued support and loyalty.

“The event is a much-loved part of the fringe, and it is wonderful to see the support received from the comedians, audience members and the brilliant Underbelly team.  

“Partnerships like these are so important in helping us raise vital funds for research and awareness of the devastating impact of a brain tumour. Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40 and they reduce life expectancy by 27 years, the highest of any cancer and this must change.

“The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts with a goal of doubling survival rates and halving the harm that brain tumours have on the quality of life – and it is only through the support from so many people like Ed, Charlie and the brilliant Underbelly team that we can strive towards those goals.

“It’s fantastic that the Big Brain Tumour Benefit has returned this year and has been able to raise £14,428. Thank you all for your incredible support.”

Research into brain tumours is severely underfunded in the UK and yet represents the biggest cancer killer for under 40s. 

Around 500 children and young people in the UK are diagnosed each year but diagnosis times of childhood brain tumours are longer in the UK than in many other countries.

To further support the Brain Tumour Charity, please visit its Better Safe Than Tumour campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the early signs and symptoms of a brain tumour to improve early diagnosis times. 

Anyone who would like to contribute to this important cause, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/underbellysbigbraintumourbenefit2024

Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit is a one-night-only show. For more information on the wider programme for the remainder of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, please visit the website here. 

Dara Ó Briain, Milton Jones, Rose Matafeo, Angela Barnes and more big names join the line up for Underbelly Big Brain Tumour Benefit

Tuesday 13 August, 7.20pm at McEwan Hall, Underbelly Bristo Square

  • So far, Underbelly has raised over £110,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity from these benefits alone, including nearly £20,000 at the last Fringe benefit in 2023.
  • Dara Ó Briain, Milton Jones, Rose Matafeo, Angela Barnes, Ian Smith, Carl Donnelly, Kanan Gill, Amy Gledhill are confirmed to appear in this year’s show with more guests to be announced soon. 
  • The show was created by Underbelly in 2017 following the diagnosis of an aggressive and rare form of brain cancer called Ependymoma in Alfie Bartlam, the son of Underbelly’s co-founder Ed Bartlam. Alfie sadly died, aged 7, in August 2019.
  • Brain tumours are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children and adults under 40. They shorten life expectancy by an average of 27 years, the most of any cancer. Despite this, brain tumour research is more underfunded compared to many other cancers.

Underbelly has today (9th August) announced its much-anticipated line-up for the sixth annual Big Brain Tumour Benefit in the majestic McEwan Hall. 100% of the box office income is being donated directly to The Brain Tumour Charity, the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally.

Starring in this year’s show will be:

  • Irish comedy legend Dara Ó Briain
  • King of the one-liners Milton Jones
  • Kiwi Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner and tv actress Rose Matafeo
  • UK tv star and stand up comedian Angela Barnes
  • 2023 Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Show nominee and BBC Radio 4’s  Ian Smith
  • Indian comedy super star Kanan Gill
  • Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Amy Gledhill
  • And our MC will be Fringe favourite Carl Donnelly

All money raised via ticket sales and in donations on the night goes to The Brain Tumour Charity – a cause which is very close to Underbelly’s heart. Co-Founder of Underbelly, Ed Bartlam’s, son Alfie was just 4 years old when he was diagnosed with a form of aggressive brain cancer in 2016 and sadly died three days after the end of the Fringe in 2019.

Research into brain tumours is significantly underfunded in the UK compared to other cancers, despite being the leading cancer killer for those under 40. Each year, over 11,400 people in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour – meaning 31 families face the devastation of this diagnosis every day.

Ed Bartlam, Underbelly’s co-founder said: “I’m delighted that we are announcing another superb line up for Underbelly’s sixthBig Brain Tumour Benefit show at the Edinburgh Fringe.

“We have raised over £110,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity since our first show in 2017, and we cannot thank both the comedians and the audiences enough for their support so far.

“My wife and I are raising £1.5M for the charity to fund a specific paediatric brain tumour research and new treatment project based in Cambridge.

“We’re doing this through a range of fundraising events and this annual Fringe show is a vital part of that. Call me biased, but this show is an amazing evening of comedy for the very best of causes. So please buy a ticket!”

Hannah Bowler, Corporate Partnership Manager at The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are thrilled that the Big Brain Tumour Benefit comedy gig is returning this year, for its sixth show, and we are incredibly grateful for our amazing partners, Underbelly, for their ongoing support in raising crucial funds for research and awareness of the devastating impact of brain tumours.

“Brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer of children and adults under 40, The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to fighting brain tumours on all fronts.

“We can only work towards our goal of helping people with a brain tumour live longer and better lives with the support from people like Ed, Charlie and the truly incredible Underbelly team.”

To book tickets for Underbelly’s Big Brain Tumour Benefit, please visit:

https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk/event/underbellys-big-brain-tumour-benefit-2024

Support for Rock Trust

The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust (AVCT) is pleased to announce a donation of £3,000 to Rock Trust, Scotland’s dedicated youth homelessness charity.  

This funding will support Rock Trust’s efforts to expand their services, including increasing housing provision and introducing their innovative Youth Housing Hub model to Glasgow for the first time. 

Rock Trust was formed in 1990 after the discovery that young homeless people had been sleeping rough in the graveyard of St. Cuthbert’s Church in Edinburgh, and since then has grown its operation into Glasgow, the Lothians, Perth and Fife, and is committed to ending youth homelessness.  

In 2023 alone, the organization helped over 1,100 young people to avoid, or move on from, homelessness; like Danny, who came to Rock Trust at the age of 16. 

Danny was living at home with his mum. Their relationship was troubled to the extent that his aunt had referred him to Rock Trust in the hope that their Early Intervention Programme might improve their relationship through 1-to-1 counselling. 

But when an argument between Danny and his mum eventually turned violent, it became clear that he was no longer safe. Rock Trust were quickly able to move him into a shared flat with other young people and a supportive flatmate. 

Danny’s support worker has helped him to access financial support and explore his potential. He has started going to art therapy and has completed an external employability course. 

At 16, Danny didn’t just need a home, he needed help to process everything that had happened to him, help to discover his potential, guidance on developing essential life skills, and ultimately help to make the transition to adulthood. 

Speaking of his experience with Rock Trust, Danny said, “I am more free, I’m happier, and I’m treated like an actual person. I’ve been given opportunities to do stuff and meet new people.  

“I think I’m a better person, less antisocial. A lot of bad stuff would have happened if I didn’t have the Rock Trust. I’ve even got a better relationship with my mum now we don’t live together.” 

The charity focuses on three strategic pillars: prioritizing prevention, increasing housing availability, and ensuring a focus on future opportunities for young people.  

Calum Wright, Trusts and Grants Fundraising Lead at Rock Trust, highlighted the urgency of their work: “Scotland is facing a housing emergency which is disproportionately affecting our young people.

“At Rock Trust, we believe that accommodation, support, education, and employment are the best routes off the streets and away from the misery that accompanies homelessness.

“Thanks to supporters like the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, we can help more young people avoid, survive, and move on from homelessness for good.” 

This donation from the AVCT will play a crucial role in Rock Trust’s mission to combat youth homelessness amid rising costs, cuts in statutory funding, and an increasingly competitive fundraising environment. 

David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, expressed his support, stating: “Homelessness is a heartbreakingly real prospect for many young people and a frightening reality for others.

“We are proud to support Rock Trust in their vital work to provide immediate and effective assistance to those in need and to help them build a stable future.

Our contribution aims to ensure that more young people have access to safe housing and essential ongoing support to rebuild and lead healthy, independent lives.” 

Gilded Balloon celebrates Pink Wednesday today with £5 tickets for charity

THOUSANDS OF DISCOUNTED TICKETS WILL RAISE FUNDS FOR WAVERLEY CARE FOR 24 HOURS ONLY

It’s time to paint the town pink once more as Gilded Balloon, one of Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s longest-running venues, kicks off their legendary Pink Wednesday – a 24 hour charity day with £5 tickets for some of the Fringe’s most in-demand shows. 

Gilded Balloon’s staff, performers and customers join together to don their best pink outfits and fundraise for this year’s charity partner Waverley Care, all whilst enjoying discounted tickets for Fringe shows, fancy dress, competition prizes and more.

With 130 shows across two venues in 2024, Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland, fans can snap up £5 tickets for comedy, theatre, family, cabaret and more, with a percentage of ticket sales donated directly to Waverley Care, Scotland’s leading HIV and hepatitis C charity. 

Acts raising funds for Waverley Care include Jack Docherty in The Chief – No Apologies, Martin Brock, Juliette Burton,  Hypnotist Matt Hale, Chris Hall, Pop Off, Michelangelo, Grace Campbell and more, with £5 tickets available for these shows via Gilded Baloon’s box offices and websites.

Visit tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk to view all shows offering £5 tickets today across family, comedy, cabaret, theatre, magic and more. 

Ts&Cs: £5 plus handling fees. Tickets to participating shows only, whilst stocks last 

Traditionally nicknamed ‘Black Wednesday’ and known as a day of slower ticket sales across the Fringe, Gilded Balloon introduced Pink Wednesday in 2018 to encourage locals and Fringe fans to take a chance on a new show and enjoy discounted tickets, all whilst raising vital funds for charity.

Each £5 ticket sold will see money donated to Waverley Care, as well as charity staff fundraising throughout the day with bucket collections, QR codes and information points. 

Waverley Care was founded in 1989 in response to the HIV epidemic in Edinburgh, the charity now focuses on ending new HIV transmission in Scotland by 2030, while continuing to support people and communities affected by HIV, hepatitis C and sexual health inequalities. 

Katy and Karen Koren, Artistic Directors of Gilded Balloon said: “It’s officially time to paint the town pink again as we launch £5 tickets for one day only, in support of the wonderful Waverley Care.

“Pink Wednesday is a chance for acts, customers and staff to join together and raise money for charity, support our brilliant artists and see some fantastic shows for only £5. It’s a great opportunity to take a chance on something new and buy a ticket for a show you haven’t heard of before, and maybe discover your new favourite comedian!

“We’re thrilled to see so many acts opt in to support Waverley Care by donating a percentage of their ticket sales for today to the charity, as they do unparalleled and vitally important work across Scotland. We hope everyone embraces the Pink Wednesday spirit, dons their best pink outfits today and comes down to get involved!”  

Grant Sugden, Chief Executive, Waverley Care said: “Waverley Care is delighted to be chosen as Gilded Balloon’s charity partner for this year’s Pink Wednesday event. This collaboration is an incredible opportunity to tackle HIV stigma and raise vital funds. 

“Scotland is on the verge of becoming one of the first countries to achieve zero new HIV transmission. To reach this goal, we need more people to get tested, to improve access to HIV prevention medication Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and to end harmful HIV stigma.  

“We look forward to engaging with people attending shows, sharing our mission to end new HIV transmission by 2030, and raising money to support those affected by HIV and hepatitis C across Scotland.”

Waverley Care is Scotland’s leading HIV and hepatitis C charity, and everything they do is guided by the experiences of the people they work with – this ranges from shaping the services they deliver through to how they influence national policy around sexual health and blood-borne viruses (BBVs).

Waverley Care’s vision is a Scotland where anyone living with or at risk of HIV can expect to be treated with acceptance, support and respect. Find out more information and support Waverley Care – www.waverleycare.org 

With over 130 shows across two venues including Patter House and the National Museum of Scotland, Gilded Balloon’s programme covers comedy, theatre, magic, kids shows and much more. 

Tickets  via  www.tickets.gildedballoon.co.uk 

Crumbs! Comedy troupe Biscuit Barrel kick off food bank fundraiser

Comedy troupe Biscuit Barrel kicked off their Edinburgh food bank fundraiser with a twist this week when members donned biscuit costumes and packed emergency food parcels at the Edinburgh Food Project warehouse.

Their Edinburgh Fringe show ‘Not Another 69-Sketch Show’ runs from 31 July – 26 August at the Gilded Balloon, and will help to support seven local food banks.

Audiences can contribute to the Edinburgh Food Project thanks to post-performance bucket collections and make a real difference to those struggling to afford the essentials.

First aid volunteers in Edinburgh receive share of £28,000 donation

St Andrews First Aid, Scotland’s only dedicated first aid charity, has been awarded a £28,000 lifeline from leading Scottish convenience retailer, Scotmid.

The funding has been used to purchase new uniforms for staff and volunteers across Scotland, including those located in Edinburgh, who provide life-saving training and emergency response services.

Stuart Callison, CEO at St Andrew’s First Aid, said: “Scotmid’s generous donation means we can purchase more uniforms that will help to enhance our visibility and identity when we cover events or provide public demonstrations.

We are extremely grateful to Scotmid for this support and continued partnership in helping us achieve our mission of making Scotland a safer place for all.”

Lynne Ogg, Scotmid Membership & Communities Manager, added: “The work that St Andrew’s First Aid delivers in communities across Scotland is invaluable and we are proud to continue supporting such a worthy charity. 

“The funding will assist the organisation in ensuring its dedicated volunteers are easily identifiable and bring peace of mind to the general public when attending events.”

St Andrew’s First Aid provides vital first aid and mental first aid courses and actively promotes first aid education in schools and communities. Its mission is rooted in the belief that no one should suffer or lose their life due to a lack of first aid assistance.

Walk the Walk in Tartan for Edinburgh Leisure

Edinburgh Leisure, the city’s leading sports and leisure provider is calling on anyone looking for a new challenge to don their tartan and join them to take part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk to raise funds for their award-winning Ageing Well project.

An Edinburgh Leisure and NHS Lothian initiative, Ageing Well keeps hundreds of older adults in Edinburgh more connected and physically active, by offering low-cost city-wide activities that encourage active living and socialisation all the while boosting their health and wellbeing.

Jenny Selman, Funding Manager for Edinburgh Leisure explained: “Part of our Active Communities programme, Ageing Well is led or supported by trained older adult volunteers and our participants and volunteers really benefit both mentally and physically from taking part. 

“It caters for a diverse range of interests and abilities, with activities including walking groups, cycling, gardening at our allotment and buddy swimming.

“Unfortunately, the programme is facing a funding shortfall of £17k, so we’re encouraging people to sign up to the Kiltwalk to raise some much-needed funds for Ageing Well and hopefully, get active, and stay active because of taking part.

“We hope that the funds raised by our supporters, coupled with generous donations we receive throughout the year, will enable us to continue with this valued programme. Every pound raised really will make a difference.”

All those signing up to the Kiltwalk to raise funds for Edinburgh Leisure will receive a 50% discount on the registration fee and also an Edinburgh Leisure T-shirt and a tartan-themed snood.

The Kiltwalk takes place on Sunday, 15th September 2024. Three walk lengths are available: 

  • The Mighty Stride (approx. 21 miles) – £20 £10 registration fee 
  • The Big Stroll (approx. 11 miles) – £20 £10 registration fee 
  • The Wee Wander (approx. 5 miles) – £12.50 £6.25 for adults, £6.50 £3.25 for children 

Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme supports 12,500 people who face the greatest barriers to getting active annually – people affected by health conditions, inequalities, and poverty.

Your participation in the Kiltwalk will raise crucial funds to promote health, happiness, and connectedness among older adults in Edinburgh whilst contributing to a fantastic and enjoyable event. 

To find out more about signing up with Edinburgh Leisure to walk the Kiltwalk, and to get your 50% discount, click here.

To find out more about the Kiltwalk, click here.

SGN & Kidney Care UK partnership to provide support to thousands of people with kidney disease

SGN is leading a new £2.5 million partnership with Kidney Care UK which will see them work with the UK’s gas distribution networks (GDNs)1 to offer specialist support to help nearly 18,000 people living with kidney failure across the UK – 1,250 of those in Scotland.

Currently in Scotland there are 1,250 people with advanced kidney disease who rely on dialysis to stay alive. The majority of these patients have a routine which consists of three to four sessions of dialysis a week, each taking up to 6 hours or more in hospital.

On top of this they have to manage the associated stress and time pressures of travel to and from treatment. Due to the time constraints and health impacts associated with treatment for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), only 26% of people on dialysis are in full time employment2. The consequent low income means many people with kidney failure live in relative poverty, compounded by the misery of increasing costs of living.

The unique and transformational partnership, uniting statutory, charitable and corporate sectors, will support vulnerable customers most in need, providing people living with CKD, with vital support to help tackle fuel poverty.

The initial two-year project will provide a holistic suite of services, including face-to-face support, where customers will get assistance with benefit entitlement, welfare support and specialist money and energy advice.

The service will maximise outcomes, in terms of financial support, whilst also promoting energy and carbon monoxide awareness.

The expansion of Kidney Care UK’s patient support services will mean that people on dialysis will have access to a dedicated, personal, face-to-face support service.

This will serve the 1,250 kidney patients on dialysis treatment in the 26 units across Scotland, as well as supporting people in the North East, North West, the South West and South East of England. Delivered by trained and trusted Patient Support & Advocacy Officers, the service will enable patients to access all the benefits and welfare support they are entitled to.

Laurie Cuthbert, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Kidney Care UK, said: “We are pleased to be working with SGN as part of a transformational partnership with the Gas Distribution Networks across the UK to support nearly 18,000 vulnerable kidney patients in need of immediate support; 1,250 of these in Scotland.

“Philanthropic investment from our partners is enabling Kidney Care UK to increase its direct, on the ground support to thousands of dialysis patients, delivering tangible welfare and wellbeing benefits at a time when it is more important than ever”.

Linda Spence, Vulnerability Manager at SGN, said: “We’re committed to keeping our communities safe and warm and we know people with health conditions are uniquely impacted by higher than average energy costs.

“By working in a joined-up way with Kidney Care UK, we’re able to reach those who are really struggling and provide much needed energy advice. Through building strong connections we can help vulnerable households get much needed help.”

For more information about Kidney Care UK’s patient support services go to https://kidneycareuk.org/get-support/

Edinburgh coffee company creates perfect blend to raise funds for CHAS

An Edinburgh-based coffee and tea company has created a unique blend of coffee to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

The team at Marchmont’s Red Box Coffee will donate £1 from every kg sold of their new ECHO coffee line to CHAS.

The specially created coffee is made up of beans from Brazil, Guatemala and Ethiopia and has tasting notes of peanuts, caramel and chocolate. The ECHO design has been created in collaboration with CHAS using the charity’s alphabet letter branding and is available to buy in store at Red Box Marchmont (Edinburgh) or online here: https://www.redboxcoffee.com/.

The coffee has already brewed up some local support from Edinburgh law firm Turcan Connell which has signed up as the line’s first wholesale customer. 

Chris Dunstan, Head of Wholesale at Red Box Coffee said: “At Red Box we believe in the power of a good cuppa to uplift and connect. That’s why we’re thrilled to be partnering with CHAS, a charity that brings care and joy to children with life-shortening conditions and their families.

“With every purchase from our ECHO line, we’ll donate £1 per kg directly to CHAS. This contribution will help the charity continue its incredible work, filling the lives of the children and families it supports with laughter, love and joy.

“I recently personally visited Rachel House, one of CHAS’s hospices in Kinross, which is near my own home, and was truly inspired. The staff create a haven of bright colours and joyful moments, even during challenging times. It’s a place where families can find comfort, connection, and extraordinary care.”

CHAS Senior Community Fundraiser, Sarah Dannfald said: “We are so grateful to Chris and the team at Red Box Coffee for choosing to support CHAS in such a unique way and we can’t wait to taste the ECHO coffee and continue this exciting partnership.

“Every penny donated via this coffee will go towards helping the many children with life-shortening conditions we support and their families right across Scotland.”

To find out more about the charity partnership and to buy the ECHO coffee please visit https://www.redboxcoffee.com/

Cancer Card’s Comfort Box receives boost from Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust

The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is delighted to announce that Cancer Card, a Scottish charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by cancer, has been awarded a grant of £2,500 to support their Comfort Box scheme.  

The initiative aims to ensure that every cancer patient, regardless of their financial circumstances, has access to essential items that can improve their quality of life during treatment.  

Cancer Card was founded in 2021 by stage four cancer patient Jen Hardy MBE and offers a comprehensive online directory of local and national cancer support services, making it a crucial resource for those navigating the complexities of cancer care in Scotland.   

The Comfort Box initiative, inspired by Scotland’s Baby Box, delivers packages containing items such as digital in-ear thermometers, wool blankets, and travel mugs to help cancer patients manage their treatment and stay comfortable.  

Conveying her thanks to the Trust for the donation, Jen Hardy said: “The generous grant from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is invaluable in supporting our mission to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.

“With these funds, we can provide 50 additional Comfort Boxes to newly diagnosed cancer patients, offering them not only practical items but also a sense of comfort, hope, and reassurance during their cancer journey.

“This support is crucial in helping patients feel cared for and empowered as they navigate the challenges of treatment.”  

In the first four months of 2024 alone, Cancer Card distributed over 400 Comfort Boxes to patients across Scotland. Each box costs the charity £50 to produce and they are distributed to patients free of charge.

The additional 50 boxes funded by Allied Vehicles will be delivered through partnerships with Maggie’s Centres and cancer treatment wards in hospitals, as well as being available directly through the Cancer Card website.   

Gerry Facenna, founder of Allied Vehicles, expressed his pride at the Cancer Card donation: “Cancer touches every family, and the work Cancer Card does is so important; not just in distributing these items through the Comfort Box programme, but also helping to provide emotional support to cancer patients during an extremely challenging time.

“We’re pleased to support to such a great cause.”