charity support – Page 3 – The NEN

Walk4Hope brings support and connection to Scots living with secondary breast cancer

People across central Scotland living with secondary breast cancer will come together in Falkirk this summer for a gentle, supportive walk designed to boost their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Make 2nds Count works across the UK to support those affected by secondary, or metastatic, breast cancer – a condition that can be treated but not cured.

The charity focuses on improving access to tailored support and funding research to extend and improve quality of life. Each year, it directly supports around 2,000 patients and reaches thousands more through education and advocacy.

The event, called Walk4Hope, will bring patients, families and friends together at Falkirk’s Helix Park for a relaxed walk around an accessible 5K route designed with participants’ needs in mind.

Walk4Hope encourages movement while offering a chance to connect with others facing similar challenges. By creating a welcoming environment outdoors, the event aims to lift mood, increase energy and foster a sense of community among those taking part.

The event has been made possible thanks in part to a £493 grant from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, which will cover the cost of hiring the park for the day and pay for the presence of adequate first aid facilities.

Lianne Bryce, Lead Regional Fundraising Manager for Make 2nds Count, said: “The kind donation from Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will allow us to deliver our Walk4Hope event in Scotland, bringing together our patient community, friends and family for a gentle 5K walk in the beautiful Helix Park in Falkirk.

“This 5K stroll offers significant benefits, serving as an accessible, low-impact movement to promote physical well-being, boost mood and increase energy levels. Furthermore, the event creates a supportive community setting that enhances emotional well-being, providing participants with a valuable sense of connection, empathy and companionship.”

Gerry Facenna, founder of Allied Vehicles and Trustee of the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, said: “Cancer affects every family in Scotland, and is a cause very close to my own heart.

“Make 2nds Count is doing important work to support people facing incredibly difficult circumstances. We are pleased to help bring Walk4Hope to Scotland, giving people the chance to come together and support one another.”

Walk4Hope is expected to bring a strong sense of togetherness to all involved, offering connection and support to those who need it most.

Stockbridge Primary goes the extra mile for LifeCare

Pupils, families and local businesses come together to support older people and strengthen the local community

LifeCare Edinburgh is delighted to announce that Stockbridge Primary School has raised an incredible £1,016 through a wonderful whole-school fundraising effort, with every pupil getting involved to support the 85-year-old charity’s vital work tackling loneliness and isolation in the local community.

The fundraising event, organised by Stockbridge Primary Parent Council, saw pupils, families, neighbours and friends from the school community take part in mass workouts and a family-friendly guided walk in Stockbridge – along the pathways of the Water of Leith. Funds raised were shared between LifeCare Edinburgh and Stockbridge Primary Parent Council.

The event also featured a hugely successful raffle, generously supported by dozens of local businesses and Take Hold Church who collectively donated funds and prizes.

LifeCare offers a range of services for local older people including registered day clubs, outreach support, meals on wheels, help at home and dedicated wellbeing support for unpaid carers.

From its thriving Community Hub and Café on Cheyne Street, LifeCare also delivers a year-round programme of free activities and events designed to reduce loneliness and isolation, strengthen community connections and bring people of all ages together.

Community support has never been more important. With a rapidly growing older population, LifeCare has seen demand for its services increase by 32% over the past year and now supports more than 1,140 local older people annually.

The charity is working hard to ensure older people can continue to thrive in their own homes, stay connected to their communities and avoid the loneliness and isolation that too often accompanies later life.

Claire Montgomery, Fundraising and Communications Manager at LifeCare Edinburgh, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone at Stockbridge Primary School, the Parent Council, the pupils, families and everyone who took part in making this such a wonderful community event.

“Raising £1,016 is a fantastic achievement and every pound will make a real difference to the lives of local older people and their unpaid carers.

“It is particularly special because this was a true community effort, bringing together generations of local people to support one another. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of the businesses who donated raffle prizes so generously.

“Their support demonstrates the incredible community spirit that exists here in Stockbridge. At LifeCare, we believe no one should feel alone or isolated, and this support will help us continue providing practical help, companionship and opportunities for people to stay connected within their communities.“

For more information about LifeCare Edinburgh’s services and activities, visit:

www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk.

Sir Tom Farmer Foundation support for St Columba’s Hospice

We’re incredibly grateful to announce a gift of £1 million over five years from the Sir Tom Farmer Foundation, made in loving memory of Sir Tom and Lady Anne Farmer.

The donation will support St Columba’s Hospice Care wherever the need is greatest, helping us continue providing compassionate care to patients and families across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

This remarkable gift honours a legacy of generosity and support that has touched our Hospice for many years.

Read the full story on our website:

https://stcolumbashospice.org.uk/news/farmer-family-pledge-£1-million-to-st-columba’s-hospice-care-in-loving-memory-of-sir-tom-and-lady-anne-farmer

Battersea support for Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home

We’re incredibly grateful to have received £192,288 through the Future Ready programme, supported by Battersea.

This funding will help strengthen the future of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, allowing us to grow our impact, improve how we work, and ensure we can continue to be there for dogs, cats and the people who love them across Edinburgh and beyond.

With Battersea’s support, we’ll be able to invest in both our people and infrastructure to help meet growing demand for our services.

We’re hugely thankful to Battersea for their belief in our work, their trust and shared commitment to improving animal welfare. Thanks to their support, we can continue to provide safety, care and second chances for dogs and cats who need us most across Edinburgh and beyond for the next 140 years.

Vote for local school and community projects supporting children’s access to healthy food

People in Edinburgh can vote for local school and community projects supporting children’s access to healthy food

Tesco customers in Edinburgh can now vote for one of three local school and community projects to receive a grant of up to £1,500.
Corstorphine Village Playgroup, Liberton High School and What? Why? Children in Hospital are shortlisted, with funding set to support children and young people’s access to healthy food in the community.
Voting takes place in-store by dropping the blue token into the relevant box at checkout, and local schools/community groups can apply for future rounds.

A trio of Edinburgh schools and good causes are in the running for much-needed funds to help young people.

Corstorphine Village Playgroup, Liberton High School, and What? Why? Children in Hospital have been selected in the latest round of voting in Tesco’s Free Fruit & Veg grants programme with £500, £1,000 and £1,500 available – and customers can now vote for the one they want to support.

The programme is open to initiatives in Edinburgh that have a clear food focus for young people, including breakfast clubs, holiday food provision, access to healthy snacks for youth groups, community pantries, cookery and nutrition sessions, and food-growing projects that help children learn where food comes from.

The grants form part of Tesco’s wider Fruit & Veg for Schools ambition, giving schools and community groups funding for healthy food projects as the retailer works to help more than one million schoolchildren get fruit and vegetables through its school and community programmes, ran in partnership with community charity Groundwork.

Corstorphine Village Playgroup is keen to receive funding so that it can educate young children on healthy eating.

Also in line for funding is Liberton High School, which is looking to use the money it receives to host a breakfast club every morning for all young people, and deliver food parcels to pupils and their families.

Lastly, What? Why? Children in Hospital will use the grant it gets to help children and parents prepare for a hospital visit to the cardiology department, and answer some of their questions starting with What? and Why?

Claire de Silva, head of community at Tesco, said: “Every child deserves the chance to enjoy healthy food and build the foundations for a stronger future, so we want to support the brilliant schools and community groups in Edinburgh helping children and young people access nutritious food.

“Whether that’s a breakfast club, a pantry, cookery sessions or a project that helps children grow and try new foods, we’d encourage local organisations to apply for the grants – and we’d love shoppers to get involved when the customer vote comes to their local store.”

Customers can vote for the good cause they want to support by dropping the Tesco token they receive at the checkout into the relevant voting box as they leave the store. Each funding round features three local projects, with grants awarded based on the number of tokens received.

Schools and community groups in Edinburgh can apply for funding in future rounds via Tesco, as the retailer looks to support more local projects helping children and young people access healthy, nutritious food. In recent years, thousands of pounds have been donated to Edinburgh good causes.

For more information about the Tesco Free Fruit & Veg for Schools programme and find out how to apply for a grant , visit:: https://www.tescoplc.com/fruit-and-veg-grants

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 20^th 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