Epic cycle trek honours record breaker

Michael keeps it in the family!

An Edinburgh man is taking on an epic cycling challenge, from one end of Ireland to the other – 60 years after his aunt became the fastest woman to complete the route!

Michael Woods, who aims to complete the challenge in six days, will be joined by a group of family members during the 386 miles and they will raise funds for cancer charities including Macmillan Cancer Support.

The route will closely mirror the one taken by Michael’s aunt, Isabel Woods, on 26^thJune 1955. She cycled from Mizen Head on Ireland’s south coast to Fair Head in Northern Ireland in a record-breaking 23 hours and 3 minutes, a record she held on to until 1 July 2007.

Michael said: “Isabel’s ride of 60 years ago is a mind boggling feat of stamina and endurance and following the route at a more leisurely pace is one way of comprehending just what a feat it was. If our road trip enables us to raise funds for some good causes then all the better.”

Macmillan’s Edinburgh Fundraising Manager Jayne Forbes said: “We are very grateful to Michael, David, Norah, Sheena and Brian and everyone who supports them. They’ve already raised a fantastic amount of money which will help us make a real difference to the lives of people affected by cancer.

“We help people in many ways, from specialist nurses and doctors, to help and advice for people who have financial worries as a result of their cancer diagnosis, none of which would be possible without the support of people in Edinburgh.”

If you would like to support Michael and the team please visit:

https://www.givey.com/ie2eiw60

Charity begins at Edinburgh College!

Events Management students raise thousands for charity

Edinburgh College’s Events Management students have raised more than £20,000 for charity this year by holding events around the city and surrounding areas as part of their coursework.

The students worked in 38 teams to arrange an event each in aid of a range of charities. Events included everything from a mini festival and club nights to speed dating and fashion shows.

Events Management lecturers celebrated their success this week by awarding a trophy to the most successful event team.

The winning team, called Festival Events and based at Sighthill Campus, organised a sell-out mini fringe festival at the Voodoo Rooms, where a variety of acts including a magician, DJ, reggae act and flamenco folk band, entertained the audience. To promote the event, the students worked together with dancers from the University of Edinburgh Modern Dance Society to organise a flash mob outside the Usher Hall. They also worked with students from the college’s audio visual courses, who documented the event by recording it for a video that helped them pass their course.

The team raised £1,100 for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland, which was match funded by BP to make £2,200, after students contacted the firm.

Other teams organised events including children’s fun afternoons, club nights, fashion shows and an afternoon tea. A runner-up prize was awarded to a Milton Road Campus team, 505 Events, which organised a sports event around the Scotland vs. England Rugby match in aid of the charity Simpson’s Memory Box Appeal (SiMBA). Another Milton Road team received a highly commended award for its work, which included organising a speed dating event in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

Lecturer Iris Aitchison said: “We are immensely proud of all the fantastic work that our students have put into organising all their events, and we were blown away by the amount raised for charities. This is the first time we have awarded a prize for best event, as we felt that these achievements deserved to be recognised.”

In total, 21 charities benefited from the students’ efforts, including Scottish Autism, the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund and the SickKids Foundation.

Pictured: Students from the winning teams with Events Management lecturers. L-R Caroline Patterson, Katrina Pugh, Javier de la Cruz (from the winning Festival Events team), Alana Laidlaw (from the runner up team, 505 Events), Iris Aitchison, Sarah Thomson.

The college offers events courses at NC, HNC, HND and BA (Hons) level in association with Queen Margaret University.

KiltWalk trustees resign

All change at the head of troubled charity

Scottish charity KiltWalk has replaced its entire board of trustees following concerns over the amount of money it is giving to charitable causes.

Earlier this year four charities – CLIC Sargent, Cash for Kids, Aberlour and Edinburgh’s Sick Kids Friends Foundation – withdrew as official partners, some expressing concern over the amount of money reaching them from the Kiltwalk.

Kiltwalk, which was launched in 2011, stages sponsored walks across Scotland to raise money for leading children’s charities, and last year more than 12,000 people took part in KiltWalk organised events. However it’s most recent accounts (2013) showed more was spent on costs than went to charitable causes.

Kiltwalk chairman Michael Ure said the charity incurred additional costs because of a restructure of the organisation, but he and the other trustees have now stood down and a new board will be appointed to take KiltWalk forward.

KiltWalk’s most recent accounts show that, from an income of over £1.6m, £780,000 was spent on running costs – more than the £776,000 which went to charities.

Hundreds of people took part in Edinburgh’s KiltWalk on 3 May. Walkers were advised on the charity’s website:

‘The Kiltwalk exists for one purpose only – to raise money for Scotland’s children’s charities, causes and schools. So while you might also be taking part to get fit, for the challenge or just to have fun, we would ask to set yourself a personal fundraising target of £200 for Scotland’s children.

IMPORTANT – please send your sponsorship directly to The Kiltwalk and NOT to our charity partners or your nominated team cause. We’ll award them a grant.

We would like you to set yourself a target of:

26 and 13/16 miles walkers – £200
Wee Walk – Adult – £100,
Wee Walk – Child (Under 16s) – £50
Wee Walk – Families (A family of four) – £200 combined

Registration Fees:

26 and 13 miles walkers – £25
Wee Walk – Adult £10, Under 16s £5

£25 goes towards the cost of the marquees, stages, red cross, security, toilets, refreshments, signage and many, many other costs on the day.

You also get your Kiltwalk t-shirt, goodie bag and medal, and at £25 we are still priced well below similar events across Scotland.’

Further KiltWalk events are planned for Perth and Speyside in August and Dundee on 20 September, with Platinum and Gold packages on offer on the charity’s website.

Party like a Mad Hatter and celebrate ten years of MoonWalking

‘Have I gone mad? I’m afraid so, but let me tell you something: the best people usually are!’ – Alice in Wonderland

Thousands of women, men and children across Edinburgh can be excused for having a leisurely lie-in this morning – they’re saving their energy for tonight’s big Moonwalk event at Inverleith Park!

This is the tenth birthday of The MoonWalk Scotland, and this year’s special theme is The Mad Hatter’s Midnight Tea Party. And, although the MoonWalk itself is fully subscribed, you can still enjoy the party!

Highlights include Radio Forth presenters – and hosts for the evening – Grant Stott and Arlene Stuart and Scotland’s very own fabulous Red Hot Chilli Pipers. The fun kicks off at Walk the Walk’s Pink Palace in Inverleith Park from 8pm

While the night’s sure to be a lot of fun, there is of course a serious point to MoonWalk too. The MoonWalk Scotland has raised over £18 million to date, with most of the money raised staying in Scotland to help improve the lives of people with cancer.

So to those thousands of people who will traipse through the streets of Edinburgh at midnight – many wearing Walk the Walk’s trademark brightly decorated bras – whether you’re walking New Moon (6.55 miles), Half Moon (13.1 miles), Full Moon (26.2 miles) or Over The Moon (52.4 miles) – we salute you!

For more information go to www.walkthewalk.org/moonwalkscotland

ProjectScotland celebrates ten years of supporting young Scots

5000 young people and 540 charities say: ‘Happy Birthday!’

ProjectScotland, the charity which helps young people to get on in life through volunteering, has marked its 10^thbirthday with Annabelle Ewing MSP and revealed the impact of their efforts since forming in 2005.

The charity has announced that since 2005 they have supported over 5000 young people across Scotland who have given more than three million volunteering hours to over 540 charities and not-for-profit organisations.

The charity revealed research that demonstrates the life-long impact of volunteering on its young people. 78% of ProjectScotland volunteers go on to employment, education, or training within 6 months, and 93% of volunteers said the experience had an impact on their long-term career and life choices.

To kick off the celebrations Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment Annabelle Ewing attended Falkland Palace, a National Trust for Scotland property which is one of the ProjectScotland’s biggest partners, to meet past and present volunteers and ProjectScotland’s CEO, Paul Reddish.

The visit marks the start of a year of celebrations for the charity which will reflect on the young people, charities and communities who have been supported through volunteering with ProjectScotland.

Minister for Youth and Women’s Employment, Annabelle Ewing (above)said: “I would like to congratulate ProjectScotland on their achievements over the last ten years.

“ProjectScotland plays a key role helping to improve the prospects and aspirations of young people across Scotland, recognising the importance of developing young people and that it is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.”

Paul Reddish, CEO of ProjectScotland, said: “At ProjectScotland we aim to help give young people structure, experience and the confidence to find work that matches their aspirations, talent and skills. The results of the last ten years prove we are making great strides supporting young people into brighter futures and we are extremely proud of our work to date.

“Scotland has led the way in the UK, with a supportive Government that has youth employment right at the forefront of its priorities and policies, but there is still much to be done particularly in tackling underemployment of talented young people in low paid work and supporting those furthest from the job market. For our tenth birthday we’re taking time to reflect and celebrate and also very much looking to the future and the work that still needs done.”

For further information on ProjectScotland please visit www.projectscotland.co.uk

Women urged to get on their bikes to support people affected by cancer

Macmillan Cancer Support is calling on women in Edinburgh to sign up and take part in Scotland’s biggest women only bike ride. This year the Macmillan Cycletta Scotland returns to Scone Palace, near Perth, on Sunday 19 July and as the event’s official charity partner Macmillan hopes to raise much needed funds to support people locally affected by cancer.

Macmillan Cycletta is the UK’s leading series of women only bike rides. Taking place on marshalled country roads, with distances of 20, 50, 100 and 150km to choose from at Scone, it’s a fabulous day out and a great chance for women to get together.

There are medical, mechanical and treat stops along the route, a Recovery Zone at the finish, and lots for supporters to see and do in the grounds of Scone Palace where parking is free. The day’s fun also includes the LittleLife Scootathlon, a mini fun triathlon for children aged 4 – 8.

Edinburgh Fundraising Manager, Jayne Forbes said: “Macmillan believes that nobody should face cancer alone and that’s why we’re calling on all women to join Team Macmillan and help us raise as much money as possible at this year’s Cycletta Scotland. Whether you haven’t ridden a bike for years or you’re a keen cyclist who’s excited by the new 150km distance, there’s something challenging but achievable for everyone and the stunning Perthshire countryside makes this a wonderful route for all abilities.

“Macmillan is delighted to be the official charity partner of Cycletta and we look forward to welcoming Team Macmillan cyclists as they take part in this fabulous event, encouraging more women to take up cycling.”

There are still places available for Cycletta Scotland, just visit www.macmillan.org.uk/cyclettascotland to register.

The entry fee isn’t included in fundraising so remember to say “yes” to join Team Macmillan when you register to receive your Cycletta fundraising pack and training guide so that you can help change the lives of people affected by cancer.

Getting in shape for marathon charity match

Craig Gowans team plans world record attempt at Spartans

The football season may now be over, but friends, family and teammates of the late Falkirk midfielder Craig Gowans have embarked on a gruelling training regime in preparation for their challenge: to break the Guinness World Record for the longest 11-a-side football match!

The mega-match, which will take place from 4 – 8 July at Ainslie Park, home of Spartans FC, will raise money for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation on behalf of the Craig Gowans Memorial Fund, a fund set up by Craig’s family and friends following his tragic death to ensure that his memory is used as a driving force for good.

Craig, a former pupil of Daniel Stewarts and Melville College, died during training when a 20ft long pole used for transportable nets came into contact with power lines. Craig, who was 17, had signed his professional contract with the club just two weeks before the accident.

Since the charity was formed in April 2007, it has raised over £80,000, supporting charities such as the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS), the Sick Kids Friends Foundation and the Chesney Trust. The fund has also contributed towards building state-of-the-art educational facilities for children and young adults in places such as Malawi.

With each player running the equivalent of at least two marathons every twenty-four hours, the Guinness World Record attempt will be the most demanding challenge to date. The final few months of the training regime, and the attempt in July will be a real test of discipline and commitment for all players involved.

The two 18-man squads hope to raise over £37,000 (Craig’s professional number being 37 at Falkirk). The money raised will be used to fund enhancements to the new Sick Kids hospital at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France, specifically a state-of-the-art Snoezelen room in Craig’s name, a calming room with multi-sensory equipment to provide a relaxing and stimulating space for children with sensory impairments.

The Craig Gowans World Record already has the support of high profile football associations and charities such as the Scottish Football Association, Football Aid, The Sick Kids Friends Foundation and the Hibernian Football Community.

A number of celebrities will also take part in the event, including ex-Scotland boss and current FC Genk Manager, Alex McLeish.

The Craig Gowans Guinness World Record Committee is a group of Craig’s school friends, Jonny Wallace, Dario Alonzi, Chris O’Shea and Eoghan Molloy who are working hard to ensure that the event is as successful as it can be and raise as much awareness as possible. The group launched the event at their flagship dinner on 28 March at Stewarts Melville school. The committee have so far raised over £22,000 and are hoping to smash their target.

The teams are looking for more volunteers to get involved in the event, at all levels. Anyone who would like to get involved in the World Record attempt can get in touch through:

the website www.tcggwrm.org

Twitter www.twitter.com/TCGGWRM37

and on Facebook www.facebook.com/TCGGWRM

Donations can be made via JustGiving www.justgiving.com/teams/worldrecord

For more info contact Jonny Wallace at TCGGWRM37@gmail.com

Step out to support people living with dementia

‘Dementia is a huge, growing health crisis and it isn’t going to go away’ – Anna Devine, Alzheimer Scotland

AS the number of people living with dementia in Scotland continues to rise, Alzheimer Scotland is set to deliver its biggest-ever Memory Walk series in a bid to rally support for people living with dementia in communities across the country.

“There are over 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland, and tens of thousands of unpaid carers, often partners and family members, supporting them,” said a spokesperson.

Alzheimer Scotland will hold over 25 Memory Walks in Scotland this autumn to raise vital funds to deliver support services and raise awareness of the discrimination, isolation and stigmatisation faced every day by people living with dementia.

There will be walks from Scalloway in Shetland to Hawick in the Borders –starting late August and finishing in early October.

Anna Devine, director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications, said: “Dementia is a huge, growing health crisis and it isn’t going to go away.

“We must rally our caring and compassionate communities across Scotland to be part of our Memory Walks and embrace the message that dementia is everyone’s business.

“It costs Alzheimer Scotland millions every year to deliver vital services across Scotland. To sustain that support as the demand for our services increases, we need to raise more funds and more awareness.”

All funds raised will be used to help pay for vital Alzheimer Scotland dementia services across Scotland such as the 24-hour dementia helpline, dementia advisors, dementia nurses and dementia research.

Funds will also support important local activities, such as Dementia Cafés, support groups, singing and gardening groups.

Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walks are family friendly and accessible to all, and will be the charity’s primary outdoor fundraiser in 2015.

Memory Walks are also a significant part of Alzheimer Scotland’s campaign to ensure the voices of those living with and caring for people with dementia are heard.

Walks will include memories-themed and family activities and walkers will have the chance to honour loved ones by writing messages on a Memory Wall.

Registration is £10 for adults, £5 for 12-16 year-olds and free for under-12s. We’re asking participants to raise £100 in sponsorship.

Visit www.MemoryWalksScotland.org to find out more and to register.

http://www.memorywalksscotland.org

You’re Not Alone!

Chromosome disorder charity uses social media to ensure to ensure people get the support they need

Social isolation is a huge problem for many parents of disabled children. Throw in a rare chromosome disorder, often a disorder that has no name, just a long, unfathomable code of letters and numbers, and the problem increases.

The everyday challenges which follow, the never-ending worries about the future, constant battles to make professionals and even your friends and family understand, leave parents feely confused and very alone.

To help raise awareness of these issues, Unique is running a Chromosome Disorder Awareness Week from 7 -13 June.

Unique is an UK charity supporting families affected by rare chromosome disorders. A spokesperson explained: “The aim is to spread the word to ensure nobody affected is left feeling isolated and alone.

“Everyone needs their friends around them for support, no one should have to feel so desperately alone and yet hundreds of parents with children affected by a chromosome disorder are facing the hardest time of their lives on their own, being rejected by those they trusted most.”

One ‘Unique mum’ said: “When my son was first diagnosed, friends suddenly stopped contacting me. I would see pictures appear on Facebook of the things they had got up to, things that before that point I had done with them.”

Unique, The Rare Chromosome Disorder Support Group, has set up a confidential Facebook group ‘Cafe’ which has grown rapidly to over 3,000 members.

It’s a virtual place where parents can ‘pop in for a cuppa’, vent, ask questions, gain support and also celebrate their child’s achievements.

The Unique spokesperson added: “There is nothing like feeling understood and heard by a community of people who have shared similar experiences.

“It has become a lifeline to parents who feel invisible to the rest of the world, giving them a support network of friends who understand, don’t judge and help them make sense of what is happening to them.

“One mum recently told us: ‘I’ve found that I’ve lost a lot of old friends because they just don’t understand or want to understand my situation. I have made lots of valuable friendships since having my daughter and that’s what counts. The Unique Facebook Cafe group became my lifeline, my access to a wealth of knowledge and my greatest source of support. I soon became friends with three of the mums, we quickly realised we had the same sense of humour and shared a common bond… WE LOVE CAKE! These three women are my bestest, most-treasured and trusted friends!’”

For further information, please contact caroline@rarechromo.org or visit

www.rarechromo.org

Edinburgh Reds go green!

The Edinburgh branch of the Manchester United Supporters Club has raised £1000 from a club raffle for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The branch, founded in 2001 by Peter Wood and Ian McKenzie, organise cost-effective luxury coach travel to United games for Scottish supporters.

Branch Chairman Peter Wood said: “Supporting Macmillan is a no brainer for us. Who hasn’t been touched by cancer? Raising funds is something we can do easily and very readily.”

Ian added: “I am aware of the support and care Macmillan offer as my wife is a nurse. This is an important cause to lots of people and one everyone should support them if they can.”

Macmillan’s Edinburgh Fundraising Manager, Jayne Forbes, said: “We couldn’t fund the services we provide without the support of people like the Edinburgh Reds. We support and improve the lives of people affected by cancer by providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support and by pushing for better cancer care. We’d like to thank Reds committee members Peter, Ian, Umeir, Waqqas and Gordon as well as the entire club for their excellent help.”