Tag: fundraising

Actor Simon Lennon becomes Walk For Autism’s 3000th walker ahead of this year’s campaign

Bridgerton and Emmerdale star Simon Lennon has become the 3,000th person to pledge their support to this year’s Walk for Autism campaign, which kicks off next week. 
 
The Scouser will join participants from up and down the country to take part in the event, which is in its fifth year, with Autism Initiatives hoping it will be the biggest one yet, with more than £200,000 in sponsorship being raised so far. 
 
Those involved will walk 10,000 steps per day for eight days from March 26 up until World Autism Acceptance Day on April 2 to raise funds that go towards providing vital support and community projects for autistic people and their loved ones. 
 
Last year, the campaign collectively saw an impressive 194 million steps walked and raised more than £621,000, making it the most successful year to date. 
 
Simon said: “I’m so happy to be involved in Walk for Autism again – it’s a really fantastic initiative that not only provides essential funds for projects but also promotes autism acceptance and understanding more widely.” 
 
Walkers can sign up on the charity’s website and begin their fundraising straight away, with Walk for Autism providing helpful tips on some fun and varied ways to raise money. 
 
Head of Enterprise at Autism Initiatives Jon Gordon said: “We are delighted to reach 3,000 signups for our fifth annual Walk for Autism campaign and would like to thank everyone – including Simon – for doing their bit.

“Every year continues to show us just how amazing people are and how willing they are to support others; despite how tough the last few years has been for everyone.
 
“Passing these milestones is really important, as the money that is raised funds innovative specialist autism projects across the UK and Ireland.”
 
Autism affects more than 700,000 people in the UK and Ireland each year. Walk for Autism is a campaign led by charity Autism Initiatives Group who have been working to improve the lives of autistic people and their families since 1972.
 
You can get involved by visiting their website:

https://www.walkforautism.co.uk/register/walk-for-autism-2022/registrationform

Property Expert Mark Coulter “racing” to support MND Charity

Mark Coulter, Founder and Director of Ellisons Property in Edinburgh and East Central Scotland, is running five marathons in five days to raise funds for Doddie Weir’s Motor Neurone Disease charity the MY NAME’5 DODDIE Foundation.

The five marathons challenge will see Mark running a total distance of 131 miles over the five-day period. Mark who is the creator & former CEO of Coulters Property, has since founded Ellisons Property in Edinburgh.

After securing their first clients in the pandemic, Ellisons has grown fast and been awarded a “United Kingdom Property Award” for “Best Property Consultancy for Scotland”.

While setting up a brand-new company might be enough of a challenge for most people, Mark is now running five marathons in five days to raise money for the MY NAME’5 DODDIE Foundation.

The foundation, which raises money for MND sufferers, was set up by former rugby union player Doddie Weir, who went public with his MND diagnosis in June 2017 and has since gone on to raise millions for MND research through the charity.

The MY NAME’5 DODDIE Foundation fundraises for research into the causes of MND and to investigate potential cures. They also provide grants to individuals suffering from MND, to enable them to live as fulfilled a life as possible.

Mark is doing what he can to support the foundation despite his lack of running experience: “Everyone who knows me knows that I am no marathon runner, hell I am not even a runner but that isn’t the point, and this challenge isn’t about me.

“It’s about the horrific disease, MND and the fact that there is no known cure. Hopefully, my small contribution will go some way to changing that and defeating this horrible disease which causes so much pain to individuals and their families!”

Individuals wishing to support Mark in “Doin it for Doddie” and raising money for the MY NAME’5 DODDIE Foundation can donate here.

Veterans urge cyclists to get on their bikes to support Poppyscotland

A FORMER Royal Artilleryman, who cycled 855 miles for Poppyscotland, has got back on his bike to launch the charity’s Sportive event.

Billy Morrison, 57, from Musselburgh, is urging cyclists of all ages and abilities to join the 7th annual cycling event throughout East Lothian and the Scottish Borders.

He joined former comrade, Jack Regan, 54, from Tranent, to launch the Sportive, Poppyscotland’s biggest fundraiser outside of the Poppy Appeal. Returning after a two-year break, it has already raised more than £250,000 to support current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families across the country.

Around 1000 cyclists are expected to take part in the event on Sunday 25th September, sponsored by Fred. Olson Renewables.

Starting and finishing at Prestonpans Community Centre, three routes ranging from 45 to 102 miles will take in the stunning coastal road to North Berwick then loop round the East Lothian countryside. More adventurous riders will cycle over the Lammermuirs, dipping down to Chirnside and Duns in the Scottish Borders. 

Billy, who served in the first Gulf War and Afghanistan and now works as a Tesco delivery driver, has already raised an incredible £10,000 for Poppyscotland as part of his 1921 Poppy Pledge.

He cycled the distance of Land’s End to John O’Groats around East Lothian and on a static bike in the Musselburgh Tesco store in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday last year.

He said: “I’d encourage cyclists of all ages and abilities to join in, get fit, and raise funds for a great cause. I’ve been very lucky myself, but I see this as a way to give back to former colleagues.

“Whenever I needed a bit of help, someone always stepped up for me. That’s something I’ll always recognise, and I want to make sure that everyone else who has served can get the help they need.”

Jack, who served alongside Billy in Iraq and recently retired as a Scottish Power linesman, added: “This is a fantastic day out, as well as a way to show our support to former servicemen and women and their families.

“Veterans can be very reluctant to ask for help, but we want to get the message out that it’s only a phone call away.”

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, said: “We’re very excited that the Sportive is returning to East Lothian and the Borders after a two-year break. It’s always a sell-out event, so we are encouraging cyclists to sign up as soon as possible.

“We keep numbers low to avoid the need for road closures, and the intimate and friendly feel of the event is one of its attractions. The route takes in stunning coastal views and country roads, while the timed hill climb will challenge more experienced cyclists.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Fred. Olson Renewables for continuing to sponsor us this year. This means 100 per cent of the sign-up fee and any sponsorship raised will go directly to our work supporting Scotland’s Armed Forces community.

“We’ve already raised more than a quarter of a million pounds to provide vital welfare support to families across Scotland, from help with housing and employment to mental and physical health issues.”

The Sportive is an “open road” cycling event, meaning that no roads will be closed in order to minimise disruption to the public.

Participants on e-bikes and tandems are welcome to take part, while riders can have a free place if they are supporting a cyclist with a disability.

For more information or to register, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/sportive

Walk for Autism fundraiser set to return for a fifth year

The team at Autism Initiatives are dusting off their trainers once more for its annual fundraising campaign Walk for Autism, which returns this March.

The charity hopes to make it the biggest one yet in its five-year history when participants from up and down the country walk 10,000 steps per day for the eight days between March 26th and World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd.

Last year, the campaign’s participants collectively walked over an impressive 194 million steps and raised more than £621,000, making it their most successful year to date.

The money raised goes towards helping individuals with autism while supporting autism projects in the UK & Ireland that encourage the pursuit of specialist interests, promote physical activity and help autistic adults and children learn and develop every single day.

Walk for Autism Fundraising Manager Liz Oakley said: “This campaign is especially important to us as we have seen first-hand how much it can improve peoples’ lives; not just with the money raised but for all those who take part. Our aim is to create a wonderful community of likeminded people who are passionate about autism and believe they can make a difference.

“These past two years have been tough for everyone, and walking has been proven to help with mental wellbeing, which is just another positive reason to get involved. 

“Walkers can complete their steps at any time and in whatever way suits them; whether it’s walking the dog, stepping on the treadmill or conquering a long-distance hike. It’s important to remember that each and every step counts so even if you can’t get out and about steps around the garden or even around your home will all contribute.

“You can track your steps easily using a pedometer or smart phone apps to make sure you’re hitting your target. The concept is simple, but the rewards are huge.”

For this year’s theme of ‘We Walk for Autism’, Walk for Autism is encouraging people to do their walking with friends and family. Walkers can sign up on the charity’s website and begin their fundraising straight away, with the charity providing helpful tips on the fun and varied ways to raise money.

Those who sign up and pledge an upfront £20 will get a Walk for Autism t-shirt to assist in their fundraising, as well as a tutorial on how to create their very own homemade confetti canon using household items to celebrate their completion of the challenge.

Liz added: “Autism affects more than 700,000 people in the UK and Ireland each year and it’s vital that we continue to help as many of those people as possible through our fundraising efforts.”

Walk for Autism is a campaign led by charity Autism Initiatives Group who have been working to improve the lives of autistic people and their families across the UK and Ireland for almost 50 years.

You can get involved by visiting their website at:

 https://www.walkforautism.co.uk/register/walk-for-autism-2022/registrationform

Shelter Scotland’s famous Stockbridge January launch raises thousands

Shelter Scotland’s Stockbridge shop has smashed fundraising records at its popular annual January launch.  

The shop raised over £20,000 across the week of the launch, which saw excited shoppers snap up designed bargains, rare collectibles and beautiful antiques.  

This beats the previous fundraising record of £18,600 set in 2019. 

Running since 2003, the event attracts shoppers from across Edinburgh and beyond. 

Peter Jew, manager of Shelter Scotland’s Stockbridge shop, said: “It’s been nearly 20 years since we held our first January event and I’m delighted that the range of exciting items we’ve been able to offer this year has proven more popular than ever.  

“I’d like to thank all of our customers and doners for their generosity and for helping to keep Shelter Scotland in the struggle against homelessness. 

“Too many people are denied their right to a safe, secure and affordable home and it’s Shelter Scotland’s mission to change that. 

“While our January event is a big day in the calendar, we’re here all year round. 

“So, if you have any unwanted Christmas gifts and or you’re just having a January clear out then feel free to donate to us and help us fight back against the housing emergency.”  

Gillespie Macandrew donates £38,000 to its partner charities

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) and Alzheimer Scotland are to share a donation of £38,000 from law firm Gillespie Macandrew. 

Partners at the firm commit to donating 1% of the firm’s pre-tax profits each year to its partner charities.  Earlier this year Gillespie Macandrew began a three-year partnership with ECHC and Alzheimer Scotland, after the charities were nominated and voted for by staff.

Gillespie Macandrew’s support for its partner charities is both financial and practical. Through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee, staff are encouraged to participate in a broad range of additional fundraising activities, and are also given a day off each year to take part in charitable activities.

Chief Executive Officer Robert Graham-Campbell commented: “We are pleased to be able to share the success of our day-to-day business activities in support of these two important charities, particularly at time when their services are under increased pressure.

As well as our donation, we continue to offer practical support however we can. Members of our CSR committee visited the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People where they saw first-hand the amazing work ECHC does and the real difference it makes to the children, young people, their families, and staff. 

Our private client practitioners know all too well the effects of Alzheimer’s disease on individuals and their families and we are proud to support their important work.  In the coming months staff will help to create dementia gardens in Dundee and Glasgow.”

Olivia Penn, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, commented: ‘’We are absolutely delighted to be working in partnership with Gillespie Macandrew who have already shown incredible commitment to our cause through fundraising and volunteering.

“The vital funds raised through the partnership will go towards transforming the lives of seriously ill babies, children and young people by supporting their medical care, mental health and family’s wellbeing. Together, we will make sure children treated in hospital and healthcare settings across Scotland will always be children first and patients second.’’

Caroline Miller, Lead for Stakeholder Engagement at Alzheimer Scotland, commented: “The pandemic has had a devastating effect on the dementia community – the loss of formal and informal supports and the rapid progression of the illness are strongly correlated.

“This donation from Gillespie Macandrew will help us to rebuild our frontline services such as day care, gardening and other therapeutic groups, and will make sure that our Dementia Advisors can continue to be a lifeline to people with dementia and their carers in communities across Scotland. 

“The pandemic has shed light on some complex legal issues for people we support in areas like Powers of Attorney and Guardianships, and we are especially grateful for the support that Gillespie Macandrew has provided in the form of training for our colleagues and information sessions for our carers.”

Gillespie Macandrew has a long and proud history of supporting not for profit organisations and staff are given a paid day off each year to participate in charitable or corporate and social responsibility events.

The firm has offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth and advises on all areas of land and rural business, private client, commercial real estate, energy, tax and disputes. 

Lorraine Kelly returns for “extra special” STV Children’s Appeal fundraising show

  • The STV Children’s Appeal 2021 will air on STV at 8:30pm on Friday 29 October
  • Lorraine hosts from performing arts charity CentreStage’s new Kilmarnock HQ
  • The Appeal – which is celebrating its 10th birthday – supports the 1 in 4 children affected by poverty in Scotland

The STV Children’s Appeal has announced that its annual TV fundraising event will return for 2021 on Friday (29 October), with long-term host Lorraine Kelly back at the helm as the charity appeal celebrates its tenth birthday.

Viewers can expect The STV Children’s Appeal 2021 to look a little different from previous shows as, for the first time, it will be hosted at Kilmarnock-based performing arts academy CentreStage – a charity with a close, enduring relationship with the Appeal.

CentreStage’s recent move to new headquarters on the site of the former Kilmarnock Academy “wouldn’t have happened” without the support of the STV Children’s Appeal, according to the charity’s founder, Fiona McKenzie.

Friday’s show will see Lorraine meeting some of the many people who benefit from CentreStage’s activities and discovering why it has proven a lifeline for the local community. The show will also feature a rousing live performance from the 60-strong CentreStage Choir, made up of local people from all backgrounds, circumstances and abilities.

Elsewhere, The STV Children’s Appeal 2021 will put the spotlight on some of the community heroes up and down the country who have raised thousands for the Appeal in its tenth year – with one young musical duo set to receive a huge surprise from Simon Cowell in response to their impressive fundraising work.

BBC Radio 1’s Jordan North will take part in a special edition of Celebrity Catchphrase, while First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also chats to Lorraine about the importance of the Appeal and why she continues to be “delighted to support it”. 

STV is also set to air a one-off documentary tonight Tuesday 26 October focused on how the Covid pandemic has impacted youth mental health across Scotland. 

Where’s Your Head At? – presented by Andrea Brymer – will share the stories of young people who have been particularly affected by the mental health crisis. Earlier this year, the STV Children’s Appeal distributed £152,000 to charities supporting the mental wellbeing of Scotland’s young people.

Lorraine Kelly said: “This year’s STV Children’s Appeal show is going to be extra special, as we’re broadcasting direct from one of the amazing charities that the Appeal has supported over the last 10 years.

“Being in the heart of a community that really benefits from the unwavering generosity of the Scottish people year after year makes the show even more authentic, and reminds us all why the work of the Appeal to tackle child poverty continues to be so important 10 years on.”

Paul Mathieson, CentreStage CEO, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome the STV Children’s Appeal to CentreStage and to host this year’s show. Our long-standing relationship with the Appeal has allowed us to provide significant support and opportunities to so many children and families across our local communities.

“On behalf of the full team at CentreStage, I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved.”

The STV Children’s Appeal 2021 airs on STV at 8:30pm on Friday 29 October. Viewers can donate £10 to the STV Children’s Appeal by texting TEN to 70607 (standard network rates apply).

Charlotte’s skipping challenge raises funds for deaf children

Charlotte Hinton, 10, from Loanhead, has skipped 1,000 times a day for ten days – 10,000 skips in total – to raise funds for the National Deaf Children’s Society.

Charlotte, a member of 1st Loanhead Brownies, devised the challenge to earn her Charities Badge and because it gave her a focus during a period of isolation from school. She was inspired to raise funds for the National Deaf Children’s Society because her cousin Ellen was born deaf and her family has been receiving ongoing support from the charity.

She has smashed her fundraising target of £50, with £275 raised so far. All the funds raised go directly to the National Deaf Children’s Society, which supports the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families.

Charlotte lives in Loanhead with her parents, Karen, a teacher, and Colin, and her little brother Ross, 7.

Charlotte said: “I want to thank everyone for their donations. Some days were hard, especially skipping with hair down – not the best idea. Sometimes my legs were sore but I kept going.

“I really enjoyed skipping and was shocked at how much I raised. I even managed to do 1,000 skips in under ten minutes on my last day, which I really wanted to achieve.”

Karen added: “Charlotte was inspired by her PE teacher who had been teaching her class skipping. Charlotte immediately knew she wanted to skip to raise money. I knew this would give her a purpose and focus during isolation and was happy to support her.

“I’m so proud of Charlotte. She has the most caring heart and I know that her care and worries will one day change the world. She transformed a pretty rubbish time into something amazing – some adults could learn a lot from that.”

Elle Billinge, who supports fundraisers for the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to Charlotte for taking on such an original challenge for us. It was a lovely thing to do, and we’re so grateful.

“The National Deaf Children’s Society is dedicated to supporting the UK’s 50,000 deaf children and their families. The efforts of energetic fundraisers like Charlotte will help us to keep on doing our vital work, now and into the future.”

Charity thrilled after receiving incredible donations via post after lockdown clearouts

The British Heart Foundation has received high value and unique donations via its postal donation service

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has received an array of high value and rare items through its freepost donation service, helping to raise funds for life saving research.

The UK’s largest charity retailer was delighted to be sent treasures, ranging from incredible World War Two memorabilia, OMEGA watches and designer clothing, to electric guitars and the newest phones, cameras and gaming consoles.

The charity believes the boost in these eclectic donations can be credited to the nation decluttering during lockdown and the convenience of its freepost donation service. This service allows people to send smaller quality donations for free, by simply downloading a freepost label via the BHF’s website and dropping to a local Collect+.

These one-of-a-kind items went on to be sold on the charity’s eBay store, helping to raise just shy of an incredible £70,000 in just five months, for research into heart and circulatory diseases.

Allison Swaine-Hughes, Retail Director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the thousands of UK households who have and continue to dig out some of their very best preloved items and post them off to us.

“We’ve been thrilled to receive such a vast array of high value and collectable items from vintage Lego sets, Sigma camera lenses, to Vivienne Westwood shirts and a collection of Hornby Dublo tin trains, via our freepost donation service.

“Our team of experts at eBay are trained in recognising the true value of donations so everything auctioned on the site goes for the absolute best price.

“We rely on the generosity of the public whose donations of quality items deliver much-needed stock for our shops and online outlets. Every item sold helps raise funds for life saving research. That’s why we are appealing to the nation to keep donating unwanted pieces to us and take on our Declutter Challenge, so we can support the 700,000 people living with heart and circulatory diseases in Scotland.”

This September, the charity is calling on the nation to have a clear out and donate any quality preloved and unwanted items by taking on its Declutter Challenge.

Donating to the BHF couldn’t be easier. Simply drop your items to one of BHF Scotland’s 76 shops and stores, send them straight to the charity via its free post donation service, or arrange a free collection.

Every item sold by the BHF in store or online, through the charity’s eBay shop and Depop site, will be turned into funds for life saving research. 

The charity retailer says its shops are particularly keen to receive winter wear to sell throughout the coming season as well as clothing, jewellery, toys, books and vinyl, and larger items such as sofas, furniture, homewares, tech and electronic gadgets.

Take on the Declutter Challenge this September:

Declutter and donate today at: www.bhf.org.uk/declutter  

The Penny rolls on: End’s in sight for coast challenge walker Karen

Long-distance charity walker Karen Penny ends 11,000 mile coastal challenge in Scotland next week

Alzheimer’s Research UK champion Karen Penny is set to complete her amazing 11,000 mile coastal walk around the UK and Ireland on World Alzheimer’s Day, 21 September, in the Shetland Islands.

Karen, 54, had been travelling since January 2019 on foot from her home in the Gower, South Wales around the entire coastline of the UK and Ireland, only returning home when forced to by the COVID-19 pandemic.

She had reached the small island of Muckle Flugga in the Shetlands (one of 110 islands that she has walked around as part of her journey), where she planted a flag before returning to her South Wales home for lockdown.

Inspired to support the UK’s leading dementia charity after both of her in-laws were affected by different forms of dementia, Karen has raised nearly £100,000 to fund vital research.

Karen says: “I can’t believe that my walk is coming to an end. I was so sad to have to leave the beautiful Shetland Islands last March because of COVID-19 restrictions, and I am now really excited to be returning to Muckle Flugga. I wonder if my Alzheimer’s Research UK flag is still where I left it!

“The last two and a half years have been wonderful. Although it has sometimes been hard going, I have met so many great people, and heard so many heart-rending stories of the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and the other diseases that cause dementia on families.

“It has made me all the more determined to do whatever I can to raise awareness and raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK, so that in future families can be spared the fear, harm and heartbreak that so many are currently experiencing.”

Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We are so grateful to Karen for the amazing fundraising and awareness-raising that she has done, with such commitment, since the beginning of 2019.

“As Karen has found with all the people who have shared their experiences with her on her journey, one in two people know someone affected by dementia. Through research, we can keep people connected to their families, their worlds and themselves for longer.

“Research has the power to make breakthroughs possible and Alzheimer’s Research UK is at the forefront of these efforts. We rely on public donations to fund our crucial research and it’s thanks to the commitment of people like Karen that we are able to increase the profile of dementia research and continue our important work.”

To sponsor Karen, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thepennyrollson  

For further information about Alzheimer’s Research UK call 0300 111 5555 or visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org