Tag: Eric Liddell Community

Inspiring young brothers receive Community Hero Awards for outstanding dedication

MP IAN MURRAY RECOGNISES EDINBURGH BROTHERS FOR THEIR FUNDRAISING EFFORTS IN SUPPORT OF THE ERIC LIDDELL COMMUNITY

Two remarkable young brothers from Edinburgh, 13-year-old Seb Jellema and 10-year-old Max Jellema, have been presented with Community Hero Awards by Ian Murray, MP for Edinburgh South.

“The awards celebrate their exceptional commitment to the Eric Liddell Community’s Olympic Year Appeal, a key part of the Eric Liddell 100 campaign commemorating the centenary year of the Olympic Hero’s iconic 400m gold medal victory at the 1924 Paris Olympics. Eric Liddell’s triumph earned him the enduring title of ‘The Flying Scotsman’.

Seb and Max have embodied Eric Liddell’s values of passion, compassion, and integrity through their inspiring fundraising challenges. Both brothers have maintained extraordinary daily running challenges, with Seb on day 712 of running and Max on day 347.

As part of the Flying Scots Challenge, a September initiative within the Eric Liddell 100 campaign, the brothers also completed an impressive 100km to raise funds and awareness for the Olympic Year Appeal. This challenge united participants across Scotland in celebrating Eric Liddell’s legacy while supporting the Eric Liddell Community’s work in education, sport, and community service.

Ian Murray MP praised the brothers’ determination: “I was absolutely delighted to present Seb and Max with Community Hero Awards in recognition of their superb efforts for the Eric Liddell Community’s ‘Flying Scots’ Challenge.

“They are a real credit to themselves, their family and the whole of the south of Edinburgh. Well done Seb and Max – keep up the good work!”

Seb and Max’s journey is rooted in their admiration for Eric Liddell, a Scottish Olympic Hero renowned not only for his Olympic victory but also for his values of passion, compassion, and integrity. Earlier this year, Seb and Max were honoured with Eric Liddell 100 medals at a ceremony marking the renaming of a path in Bruntsfield Links to ‘The Eric Liddell Way.’

Reflecting on their sons’ achievements, Claire and Nick Jellema shared: “We couldn’t be prouder of Seb and Max for receiving these Community Hero Awards.

“For them, their daily running challenge isn’t just about physical effort – it’s a source of joy and personal growth. They cherish the time spent outdoors, often in nature, using it as a moment to reset from busy days, catch up with each other, and gain a real sense of accomplishment.

“Max has especially enjoyed connecting his challenge to the incredible legacy of Eric Liddell. Learning about such an inspiring figure and seeing how one person’s story can continue to influence and unite others has been profoundly motivating for him.

“It’s amazing to see our children embodying the values of passion, compassion, and integrity, and being recognised for their efforts means the world to all of us.”

John MacMillan, CEO of the Eric Liddell Community, praised the brothers’ efforts: “Seb and Max have been extraordinary ambassadors for the Eric Liddell Community.

“Their dedication reflects the spirit of Eric Liddell and shows how young people can lead the way in preserving his legacy while making a difference in their communities.”

For those who would like to support the Eric Liddell Community, the charity invites you to contribute directly to its Christmas Appeal, to donate please visit The Eric Liddell Community website at ericliddell.org.

Edinburgh Charity launches Christmas appeal to help tackle loneliness

The Eric Liddell Community launches ‘Belonging at Christmas’ Appeal to help support its dementia care and community hub, with The Big Give doubling all donations (up to £4000) made in the first week.

The Eric Liddell Community, an Edinburgh-based care charity, has today launched its Christmas Appeal for 2024, ‘Belonging at Christmas’. This year’s appeal will help support the charity’s year-round dementia care services and community hub, providing a lifeline to many who rely on its support to combat loneliness and isolation.

The festive period can be particularly difficult for those experiencing loneliness. The Eric Liddell Community provides a safe and welcoming space where individuals can find connections and companionship. The charity is calling on the public’s generosity to help its continued efforts to create meaningful connections and essential support for those in need.

From Tuesday, December 3rd, to Tuesday December 10th, donations to the ‘Belonging at Christmas’ appeal through BigGive.org will be matched by The Big Give (up to £4000). This partnership offers an incredible opportunity to make a real difference for the many individuals who depend on The Eric Liddell Community’s support.

Anna Beauchamp, Fundraising Relationships Officer at The Eric Liddell Community, highlighted the importance of the Christmas Appeal: “As we seek the support of the local community during the festive period, we feel it is important to highlight the people whose lives we have positively impacted throughout 2024.

“The Eric Liddell Community has welcomed over 6,000 people through its doors monthly, providing over 2,500 hours of companionship and 300 support classes for those suffering from isolation.

“With your support, we look to grow these numbers even further in 2025 and beyond, providing a warm, safe community for those that need it most.”

Over the next 25 years the number of people in Edinburgh living with dementia is set to double, touching more lives with loneliness and isolation. It can take up to 12 months to receive a diagnosis from the NHS leaving a staggering number of people waiting to receive specialised support.

This not only affects those on their dementia journey, but their family and loved ones too. The Eric Liddell Community seeks to end this critical gap and provides vital care and support to those affected by this wait time.

John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Community, added: “Eric Liddell lived his life prioritising and caring for others. As a charity, The Eric Liddell Community works hard to live up to his legacy, putting the local community first in everything that we do.

“The festive season is often the loneliest time of the year for many, and as we continue supporting our service users throughout the holidays, we appeal to your generosity to help sustain these vital services for Edinburgh’s community.”

To donate to The Eric Liddell Community’s ‘Belonging at Christmas’ Appeal please visit Belonging at Christmas between the 3rd to 10th of December.

After the 10th of December, to contribute directly to the appeal, please visit The Eric Liddell Community website at ericliddell.org.