Big News from St. Ninian’s Parish Church, Corstorphine!
St. Ninian’s Parish Church has been recognised in the House of Commons for their outstanding fundraising efforts benefiting St Columba’s Hospice Care.
Since the start of their annual coffee morning back in 2000, their incredible community has rallied together to raise over £50,000!
This year alone, their event raised an impressive £3,703.98!
A heartfelt THANK YOU goes out to everyone who contributed, volunteered, and supported this event.
Special recognition goes to Margaret and Jim for their tireless efforts in making this event such a success year after year. Your commitment is truly inspiring!
William Oviatt is running the Edinburgh Marathon to raise money for Sight Scotland to say thank you for all the help and support the charity gave to his family when his daughter, Sofie, was diagnosed with retinal dystrophy.
William and his wife Debbi, both from Edinburgh, realised something was seriously wrong with Sofie’s vision when she was just six months old. Sofie had a noticeable wobble in her eyes and was struggling to track objects at baby classes.
Several months later Sofie was diagnosed with retinal dystrophy, a group of genetic eye conditions that affect the light sensitive cells in the retina. It is incredibly rare in children and something she will have for life.
William, who is head of Business Development, and Income Generation at the Thistle Foundation, explains: “Discovering that your child has visual impairment is heartbreaking and can cause a whirlwind of emotions, and we are just so thankful we had Sight Scotland there to help and support us.
“On Sunday 26th May, I’ll be running twenty-six miles in the Edinburgh Marathon to raise funds for Sight Scotland and to support children like Sofie who are visually impaired, blind or suffer from sight loss.”
William says the first appointment with the consultant, when it was confirmed that Sofie had vision impairment, was devastating.
He says: “The first appointment with the consultant was heartbreaking, as we were told the devastating news that Sofie has visual impairment and that there was nothing they could do, as no treatment would help Sofie’s eyes.
“For Sofie to be given this lifechanging news at such an early age was extremely hard to take. It was such an emotional, confusing time, Sofie was just a typical, happy, baby so it was difficult to comprehend why this was happening to her.
“But after that we were just left to it, we had been given the information by the doctors but were offered no help of what we should do next. Sofie was just your typical, happy, baby so we couldn’t understand why this was happening to her. So we reached out to various charities to try and build relationships and get a better understanding of what we were facing and what we could do to help Sofie.
“Sight Scotland has been amazing; the charity has a real community and family feel. The emotional support has been just so important, just having someone to talk to, who understands what we are going through, has been invaluable.
“We are in a club that we didn’t want to be in, but we are now so proud to be in it. Whether it is signposting, listening, supporting or the policy group giving us a voice, they are always there to answer our questions and fill in the gaps. There is no way we would feel so strong if it wasn’t for Sight Scotland.
“This is why I am running to raise money for Sight Scotland, as the support they have given to Sofie, and to Debbi and myself, has been life changing, and I can’t thank them enough and want to give something back.”
LifeCare Edinburgh has been awarded a significant funding boost of over £75,000 from the ScottishPower Foundation. The funding will go towards its vital Help at Home and Meals on Wheels services, enabling the charity to reach over 200 local older people living on a low income with free support.
Twenty charities across England, Scotland and Wales have been awarded funding totalling almost £1.2 million for projects tackling a range of issues, from cost-of-living support, to promoting diversity and inclusion and raising awareness of the ongoing climate and biodiversity crises.
Sarah van Putten, Chief Executive of LifeCare said: “The funding from The ScottishPower Foundation will make a significant difference to the lives of hundreds of local older people.
“At LifeCare, we believe everyone should be enabled to thrive in their own home and be active within their community. Over 75% of the people we help live alone and without LifeCare, many older people would be left critically isolated.
“Our services help people to keep well in both body and mind; delivering fresh, hot and nutritious meals to doorsteps with a smile and a chat, providing help with practical tasks when things are getting more difficult to manage, and offering companionship activities to keep people connected.
“With a rapidly growing older population we are struggling to cope with demand for care coupled with the rising costs of service delivery. None of our services are fully funded and we rely on our fundraising to sustain our life-affirming services.
“Thanks to this support we will be enabled to offer our meals on wheels service for free to those that need it and open our Help at Home service for free for those on low incomes for the first time. We are all extremely grateful.”
Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “Projects like LifeCare’s free Help at Home and Meals on Wheels services are a prime example of how the ScottishPower Foundation’s support is helping to create a better future.
“With this year’s projects providing vital support set to aid vulnerable people, communities, and natural ecosystems across the nation, it’s important for us to recognise and boost the incredible work of these charities.”
For more information about LifeCare’s services and activities visit:
Allied Mobility, the leading supplier of wheelchair accessible vehicles in the UK, is proud to announce the funding of two key initiatives aimed at increasing accessibility to water sports for individuals with disabilities.
Donations have been made to Inclusive Surfing Scotland and the Disabled Sailors Association as part of our ongoing commitment to move people and make a difference in their lives.
Inclusive Surfing Scotland, a newly established charity, has been awarded £2,335 from Allied Mobility’s charitable arm, The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, to cover half of the cost of a specially adapted seated tandem surfboard, with the Weir Charitable Trust also funding half.
This funding will enable the charity to provide unique surfing experiences to individuals with complex needs, including wheelchair users and those with sensory impairments. The surfboard, a key piece of equipment for their operations, will be used at the beaches of East Lothian, the Borders, and Fife starting around May/June 2024.
Ian Donaldson from Inclusive Surfing Scotland expressed his gratitude, stating, “We at Inclusive Surfing Scotland are absolutely delighted to have been awarded £2,335 by the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust.
“We are a new charity, and Allied Mobility have shown amazing belief in our mission to make surfing accessible to everyone. The award will contribute towards a bespoke seated tandem surfboard, with an attached bucket seat, that will allow surfers with complex needs to ride the waves.”
The Disabled Sailors Association received £1,500, which will fund sailing experiences for 20 individuals in 2024.
This contribution will support the Association’s wide range of activities, including tailored sailing days and competitive events, designed specifically to cater to sailors with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities and those requiring wheelchair access.
Susan Simmons of The Disabled Sailors Association remarked on the impact of this funding, saying, “Over the past 30 years, the Disabled Sailors Association has provided active sailing for people with all types of disabilities, no matter how complex their needs, together with their family and carers, in our specially adapted fleet of boats.
“Thanks to the generosity of the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, 20 people will enjoy the improvements to their mental health, happiness and confidence, that the exhilarating sport of sailing creates.”
David Facenna, Director at Allied Mobility, said: “We are immensely proud to support these fantastic initiatives that align perfectly with our values of inclusion and accessibility.
“It’s essential that everyone has the opportunity to participate in and enjoy the benefits of sports like surfing and sailing.
“These activities are not just sports; they are powerful platforms for improving mental health, personal confidence, and social interaction. We look forward to seeing the joy and freedom these projects bring to participants.”
Edinburgh–based Kevin White, who works as a Compliance Officer for Scotmid, is taking on a ten-race challenge to raise money for the RNLI, Scotmid’s charity partner for 2024.
The 38-year-old grew up in the coastal area of South Queensferry, so has always recognised the vital role the RNLI plays in saving lives at sea. Having worked at Scotmid for 23 years, supporting numerous good causes through group fundraising events, this will be his first individual fundraising challenge for a charity partner.
Kevin has already completed – and enjoyed – the Supernova Kelpies in March and is most looking forward to the Scottish Half Marathon in August.
Kevin White, Scotmid Compliance Officer, said: “I am incredibly proud to be supporting such an important charity for communities around the UK.
“My father and grandfather were keen runners, but I only took up running during lockdown, so this challenge is a great opportunity to follow in their footsteps. I am loving the challenge but not sure if my legs will agree by the end of the year!”
Kirsty Connell, Membership & Community Manager (East) at Scotmid, said: “We are immensely proud of Kevin and his achievements in this challenge so far.
“Through our partnership with the RNLI, we hope to raise enough funds to purchase a new Atlantic 85 Lifeboat. It’s great to see our colleagues contributing through individual and team challenges. Good luck Kevin!”
Through the partnership, Scotmid is fundraising to purchase an Atlantic 85 lifeboat for the RNLI which will serve in the reserve fleet for when lifeboats across the UK are undergoing maintenance. The Atlantic 85 is one of the fastest in the RNLI’s fleet. The boat has the capacity to carry four crew members as well as core medical and rescue equipment.
A children’s charity in Dumfries has received a donation of 1,300 educational books from the team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline.
Aberlour Children’s Charity supports disadvantaged children and families across Scotland. The charity offers tailored services such as addiction recovery, disability care and residential and foster care for children who are unable to live with their families.
The team from Amazon in Dunfermline visited the charity’s hub in Dumfries to deliver 1,300 educational books. The books will be used in Aberlour’s community library in its Dumfries, Annan and Stranraer hubs as well as being gifted to children and young people Aberlour support across Dumfries and Galloway
Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “At Amazon, supporting people in need is an essential part of our work with the community.
“The care and compassion that the staff and volunteers at Aberlour Children’s Charity have for the people they meet is truly admirable, and we’re glad to play a small part in their outreach. We hope this donation of books can make a positive change.”
Jonathan McClean, an employee at Amazon in Dunfermline who helped deliver the books, added: “The support Aberlour Children’s Charity provides to the community is transformative.
“I had the pleasure of seeing how happy the staff were to see our donation and recognise the impact this will have for children across Scotland. The charity is creating brighter futures for those in need and I feel very grateful that we are able to support them to achieve this.”
Amanda McAllister, Service Manager from Aberlour Children’s Charity, added: “We really appreciate Amazon’s support with this donation of books.
“Their contribution to our work will directly impact the lives of children and families we support across Dumfries and Galloway, which is priceless to us. Thank you, Jamie and team!”
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates. Amazon co-founded the Multibank initiative with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in poverty.
The first Multibank, ‘The Big Hoose’, opened in Fife providing surplus essentials like nappies, toilet rolls, toothpaste and school uniforms, donated by Amazon and others, directly to those in need. The initiative has gone on to donate more than 2 million goods to over 200,000 families across Scotland and Greater Manchester.
Amazon also helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good, including more than seven million healthy breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in partnership with Magic Breakfast.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief to help people tackle poverty and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose.
Last year, together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and tackle issues such as homelessness, mental health problems, and food insecurity across the UK, and around the world.
A £3,000 grant provided by Cash for Kids to Edinburgh School Uniform Bank marks a significant contribution towards supporting families in need within the city.
This generous donation will make a considerable difference by easing the financial burden on families when it comes to purchasing school uniforms for their children.
School uniforms are an essential part of educational life, promoting a sense of belonging and equality among students. However, the cost can be a barrier for many families, especially those experiencing financial hardships.
ESUB plays a crucial role in this context, ensuring that all children have access to the necessary attire without the stigma of financial strain. This grant from Cash for Kids not only highlights the importance of community support but also reinforces the idea that education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic background.
A charity supporting children and families in Edinburgh has received a £4,000 donation from the team at Amazon Development Centre Scotland.
The donation was made to The Yard, a charity that has been involved with the Edinburgh community for more than 35 years. The Yard supports disabled children, young people, and their families through creative and inclusive play experiences.
The donation from Amazon will go towards The Yard’s ongoing programmes and services, including their family sessions.
Colin Mackenzie is a Software Development Engineer at Amazon Development Centre Scotland in Edinburgh, and he nominated the charity for the support. Colin said: “The team at Amazon Development Centre Scotland has supported The Yard for several years with donations and tech support.
“It’s been a joy to see how impactful the charity’s support can be to families across Edinburgh. Its work in the local community directly benefits families and with Amazon’s donation, The Yard can continue to support those in need.”
Hannah Dunlop, Senior Fundraising Manager from The Yard, added: “It’s wonderful to receive so much support from Amazon Development Centre Scotland.
On behalf of the staff and volunteers at The Yard, I would like to say thank you to Amazon for its continued support.
“This contribution will provide vital support and opportunities for disabled children and their families to connect, play, and thrive together.”
The donation forms part of Amazon’s Volunteer Cash Donation Programme, where Amazon employees nominate causes where they volunteer their time, to receive a cash donation. In collaboration with hundreds of community organisations around the world, Amazon employees are encouraged to volunteer and support causes they’re passionate about.
Community cash donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates.
In 2022, Amazon co-founded the Multibank initiative with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families experiencing poverty. The first Multibank, ‘The Big Hoose’, opened in Lochgelly, Fife providing surplus essentials like nappies, toilet rolls, toothpaste and school uniforms, donated by businesses like Amazon and others, directly to those in need.
The initiative has gone on to donate more than 2 million goods to over 200,000 families across Scotland and Greater Manchester.
Amazon also helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good, including more than seven million healthy breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in partnership with Magic Breakfast.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief to help people tackle poverty and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Last year, together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and tackle issues such as homelessness, mental health problems, and food insecurity across the UK, and around the world.
Amazon has supported more than 500,000 students across the UK with free computer science and STEM education programmes through Amazon Future Engineer.
“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves” – Edmund Hillary
An inspirational group of child abuse survivors, supported by friends and family, are raising awareness and funds for child protection charity the NSPCC by climbing Mount Everest.
Giles Moffatt (51), a survivor of physical abuse as a young boy at boarding school, is one of 12 men and women in ‘Team Uprising’ who have travelled to Nepal to trek 150km at ultra-high altitude on the world’s highest mountain.
Giles spoke about the cruel and abusive behaviour he experienced while he was a pupil at Edinburgh Academy when he gave evidence at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry in Edinburgh last year.
Giles now wants to turn his negative childhood experiences into something positive by raising money for the NSPCC and awareness of the impact of abuse.
In preparation for the inquiry Giles set up a survivors’ group which now has over 70 members, and when he said he would like to climb Everest to raise money for the NSPCC, several members wanted to join him.
The team will trek over nine days to Everest Base Camp together, and then Giles will continue with fellow Edinburgh Academy abuse survivors Neil MacDonald and Neil Russell and their good friends and supporters, Andy Leslie and Mitch Smith, to undertake an ice climb to the 6,119-metre summit of Lobuche.
Giles and Andy will carry on even higher through the heart of the Himalayas with legendary mountaineer and guide, Ang Tshering Lama, who has climbed Everest five times, with the aim of reaching the summit of Everest by the end of May.
On the expedition they will have to contend with altitude sickness, the treacherous Khumbu icefall and on summit day what is referred to as the mountain’s ‘Death Zone’ where there is not enough oxygen to survive, and they will carry specialist equipment to assist them.
The funds they raise will go towards supporting NSPCC services. These include Childline, the charity’s free counselling service for children, the adult Helpline for reporting concerns about a child and the charity’s educational programmes, such as Talk PANTS and Speak Out Stay Safe, which aim to help prevent child abuse and neglect.
Giles Moffatt
Giles, who lives in Rye, East Sussex, said: “Childhood abuse causes mental health problems, addictions, self-harm, low self-worth, anxiety, relationship and work problems throughout life.
“We want to use our own negative childhood experiences to help other children who have been abused, and those who may be at risk, and raise awareness of the wide-ranging and long-lasting impact of childhood abuse.
“This trip is part climbing, part fundraising, part therapy.
“We can’t change our past, but we can do something to prevent other children from experiencing the horrors that we endured. We want a zero-tolerance of any form of abuse of children and hope to inspire others to have the courage to speak up and seek support.”
Another member of Team Uprising, Neil Russell (67), also gave evidence at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry in Edinburgh last year about his experience of physical, sexual and emotional abuse when he was a pupil at Edinburgh Academy.
The main perpetrator of Neil’s abuse was Hamish Dawson, who died in 2009. At the inquiry Dawson was accused of multiple instances of emotional and physical abuse on young boys at the school, some of which Neil experienced and witnessed.
Neil, who lives in Bedfordshire but plans to move to Perthshire this year, said: “Dawson would beat all the boys if something happened, and no one confessed. The incidents of abuse by Dawson have haunted me and tormented my mind throughout my life.
“The habitual and extreme violence have stayed with me. It took me two years of psychotherapy before I was even able to say his name.”
Neil has struggled with the impact of the abuse throughout his adult life. It has caused him difficulties with his mental health, including severe depression and anxiety, emotional and physical breakdowns and he has attempted suicide. He has also struggled to maintain relationships, including previous marriages, because he finds it hard to trust people.
‘Team Uprising’ also includes former pupils Frazer Macdonald, Graeme Sneddon, Adrian Blakemore, Niall Mackinlay, and friends and family Cat Bolten, Rachel Leslie, Andrea Christensen, Jacob Christensen.
They would like to thank Ooni Pizza Ovens, Tiso and Thermos, the Altitude Centre in London, Lindores Abbey Distillery and ‘Taking the Pea’ snacks for their financial support.
Young people looking for support can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit Childline.org.uk. Childline is available to all young people until their 19th birthday.
Any adult concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk. But should call the police on 999 straight away if they think a child is in immediate danger.
Big News from St. Ninian’s Parish Church, Corstorphine! 
Thank you
A heartfelt thank you to the Robertson Trust for their generous funding award of £27K over the next three years!
This funding is crucial as it supports our core costs, providing essential stability in a competitive funding environment.
We deeply appreciate the Robertson Trust’s belief in our mission and their invaluable support towards making a difference in our community. 