charity support – Page 2 – The NEN

Edinburgh’s Victorian Pool Crawl recognised at Scottish Fundraising Awards as 2027 entries open

Community challenge shortlisted after raising over £45,000 to help older adults and people living with dementia stay active and connected.

Edinburgh Leisure’s Victorian Pool Crawl has been recognised as a finalist in the Best Use of Event or Community Fundraising Initiative category at the Scottish Fundraising Awards 2026, celebrating a community challenge that turned one memorable day of swimming and walking into lasting support for people across the capital.

The recognition comes as entries open for the 2027 Victorian Pool Crawl, inviting a new group of participants to take on the city-wide challenge and raise money for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme.

In April 2026, 61 swimmers completed the challenge, walking 16 kilometres through the city and swimming a total of five kilometres across Dalry, Warrender, Glenogle, Leith Victoria and Portobello Victorian pools.

Together with sponsors and supporters, they raised over £40,000 for Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities programme.

The funds are helping people across Edinburgh stay active, build confidence and connect with others. Of the total raised, £22,000 was allocated to Ageing Well, helping older adults maintain their independence and wellbeing, and £22,000 to Movement for Memories, which works with people living with dementia or early-stage memory loss, as well as their carers. The remainder is supporting other Active Communities projects where it is needed most.

For 98-year-old June, Ageing Well helped her return to swimming after many years away from the pool. With the reassurance of an Ageing Well buddy volunteer, she now attends twice a week and has regained her confidence in the water.

June said: “I’ve really missed swimming, so I was excited to get back in the water. The water frees you up – you can move in ways you can’t on land.”

Rachael McCrea, Head of Fundraising at Edinburgh Leisure, said: “We are proud to see the Victorian Pool Crawl recognised alongside such strong fundraising initiatives from across Scotland. This recognition belongs to everyone who made the event possible – from the swimmers and volunteers to the sponsors, donors, partners and colleagues who brought so much energy to the day.

“What matters most is what their efforts have made possible. The money raised is helping people like June return to activities they love, grow in confidence and connect with others. We hope this recognition inspires more people to join us in 2027 and help create more opportunities for people across Edinburgh to be active.”

The Victorian Pool Crawl began in 2025 as an idea from a regular swimmer at Leith Victoria Swim Centre. It has since grown into an Edinburgh-wide community fundraiser celebrating the city’s Victorian swimming heritage while raising money to help people overcome barriers to being active.

Sign Up for 2027

Entries for the 2027 Victorian Pool Crawl are now open.

Participants will walk 16km and swim up to 1km in all five of Edinburgh Leisure’s historic Victorian pools, all in a single day, while fundraising for Active Communities.

Find out more and sign up at:

https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/victorian-pool-crawl/.

Hobbycraft teams up with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for The Big Bedazzle

A WEEK OF GLITZ, GLAMOUR AND CRAFTING

In tribute to the late country music legend, Hobbycraft has teamed up with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for a special week of bedazzling workshops across 105 stores, with donations supporting children’s love of reading.

In honour of Dolly’s love of rhinestones and commitment to children’s literacy, Hobbycraft has thrown its support behind Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library by creating a joyful week of bedazzling that’s as unique as she was.

Available exclusively at Hobbycraft, The Big Bedazzle Workshops will take place in several stores nationwide with one workshop per day between 9-5pm (subject to availability), starting from Monday 21^st September, and culminating on Give Like Dolly Day, Friday 25^th September.

The workshops are £6 per person, with £2.16 donated to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, covering the cost of funding one book for a child in the UK.

The sessions will be led by Hobbycraft colleagues and Artisans – who are no strangers to the sequin – giving families and local communities the opportunity to come together and support a cause close to Dolly’s heart, helping her legacy live on in rhinestone-studded glory.

Everything can be bedazzled. From sunglasses, cowboy hats, backpacks, phone cases, trainers, denim jackets, or even get a head start on your Christmas jumper. Hobbycraft is encouraging people to simply bring an item from home or pick one up in store, before customising it with DDotz Freestyle Dotz, gems and sequins in a riot of colours. Gem-maxxing is positively encouraged, because when it comes to sparkle, more is more.

Emma Pickworth, from Hobbycraft’s Workshop team comments: “The Big Bedazzle brings together two things we know our customers love – creativity and community – while helping us support the incredible work of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“For one week, we’re inviting everyone to put on their Stetson, pull up their cowboy boots and channel their inner country star with in-store workshops. The bigger and flashier the better – just think, WWDD (What Would Dolly Do?).”

Clare Cook, Fundraising and Communications Director at Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library comments: “We’re thrilled that Hobbycraft is supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library by bringing families and communities together for a week of creativity.

“Every donation will help us put more books into the hands of children and give more little ones the opportunity to discover the joy of reading. We hope everyone gets be-dazzling and, in true Dolly style, adds a little more sparkle to the world!”

Customers can book their place online, via the ClassBento page. Additional donations to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will be available to consumers in-store on Friday 25th September.

Donations will help support the charity’s work providing free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, helping to inspire a lifelong love of reading and support early childhood development.

Bedazzling ideas to get started:

WWDD? (What Would Dolly Do?) – Give an everyday item the ‘Dolly’ treatment. Think cowboy hats, handbags, and sunglasses or even a pair of socks
Bedazzle a Dolly-inspired look – Take inspiration from her iconic stage style with rhinestone-heavy collars, cuffs, hems, and accessories
9 to 5, but make it sparkle – Transform a plain workwear piece into something that takes centre stage on the commute Jolene-worthy denim – Bedazzle a denim jacket, jeans or bag with a little extra country glam
GemMAXX – Go all-out with the biggest, sparkliest design possible. The more gems, the better
Dolly-fy your accessories – Skincare, stationery, phone case, hats, hair accessories… anything goes!
Spread the sparkle – Bedazzle something to gift to someone else and pass on a little Dolly-inspired joy
What would Dolly wear? – Pick an iconic Dolly-inspired outfit and create your own craft version using gems, sequins, and embellishments

Coffee, cake and community spirit on offer at Utilita Energy Hub’s Macmillan fundraiser in Leith

Local community invited to support Macmillan Coffee Morning at Utilita Energy Hub in Leith

A Cup of Kindness: Join Utilita Leith’s Macmillan Coffee Morning

Residents are invited to come together for coffee, cake and community spirit as the Utilita Energy Hub in Leith hosts a special Macmillan Coffee Morning on Friday, 25 September raising funds for people living with cancer across the UK.

Taking place at the hub’s free-to-hire community space, the event forms part of the UK’s biggest coffee morning fundraiser, organised by Macmillan Cancer Support. Visitors will be able to enjoy coffee, tea, homemade cakes and cookies, and community activities such as Name The Bear, while helping to raise vital funds for the charity.

The event will be held from 11am to 2pm at the Utilita Energy Hub, located at 41 Newkirkgate, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6AA and is open to everyone.

Funds raised will help Macmillan Cancer Support continue its work providing practical, emotional and financial support to people living with cancer and their loved ones.

Hub Supervisor Natasha Baillie said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Macmillan Coffee Morning and bringing our local community together for such an important cause.

“Community is at the heart of everything we do at the Utilita Energy Hub, and we hope residents will join us for a coffee, a slice of cake and the opportunity to help make a difference for people affected by cancer.”

Visitors can also find out more about the services and support available through the Utilita Energy Hub, which provides a welcoming space for local residents and community groups throughout the year.

A spokesperson for Macmillan Cancer Support added: “Donations from thousands of Coffee Mornings, big and small, help raise vital funds to support the almost 3.5 million people in the UK living with cancer, from the moment they are diagnosed, throughout treatment and beyond.”

The event is free to attend and open to all, although donations to Macmillan Cancer Support are welcome on the day.

Tree of Life(Care)

FRIENDS FOR LIFE(CARE)

We have officially installed the first batch of our Tree of Life(Care) plaques!

Our Tree of Life(Care) recognises those who support us, past and present. This beautiful mural that wraps all the way up our stairwell in the LifeCare hub was painted by the talented Ross MacRae Art .

Each message, name or names on the plaque represents those who share our values and passion tackling loneliness and isolation through fundraising efforts, major donations, in memory giving or being a dedicated Friend for Life(Care).

Thank you to everyone who supports the vital work we do as a charity. We are excited to continue to see the names grow and the tree flourish. In a city where many older people feel invisible, the Tree of Life(Care) stands as a reminder: they are not alone.

If you would like to know more about how to get involved, please get in touch with mollynicoll@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk and she’d be delighted to chat with you!

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.