Tag: fundraising

Campaign calls for dogs to raise £1 million for UK dog charities

Much-loved local rescue centre, Edinburgh Dog And Cat Home, is participating in the UK’s first Wagathon – a mini marathon for dogs!

The centre, which cares for abandoned, abused and neglected dogs, is asking dog owners to register their pooches to walk 9K for K9s and raise much-needed funds after the impact of the pandemic.

The Wagathon, which can be done in stages in case of little legs and paws, will take place over the August bank holiday weekend …

This August, the UK’s very first Wagathon™, a 9K walking challenge for dogs raising money for other dogs, is taking place. In a unique twist, the dogs taking part will be the ones signing up and being sponsored, rather than the owner.

The fundraising platform Give as you Live Donate is behind the campaign and asking owners to register their furry friends in order to give dog charities in the UK a much-needed fundraising boost.

The goal of the Wagathon™ campaign is to collectively raise a whopping £1 million for dog charities, and to reach this target, Give as you Live is calling for canine contenders to get involved. Although dog-owners will be the ones choosing a charity to support and registering their furry companion, the dogs themselves will be the ones being sponsored and completing the Walk 9K for K9s challenge.

Whether the chosen charity supports vulnerable dogs living in shelters, dog welfare, or training assistance dogs, Give as you Live Donate wants to ensure that vital funds are raised to support the ongoing work of all the much-needed charities.

Fundraising is even more important this year due to the limited opportunities there have been recently as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Annabelle Risdon, Director and Head of Partnerships at Give as you Live, commented: ‘The pandemic has impacted hundreds of dog-related charities resulting in thousands of lost donations to help support vital canine welfare.

“Our Wagathon™ initiative provides an opportunity for these charities to boost their donation drives this summer. The mission is to ensure all dog charities are supported in their quest to increase donations after such a difficult period.’

To be involved in Give as you Live Donate’s Wagathon™ mission to raise a million, dog owners can sign up their pooches for a national Walk 9K for K9s challenge.

Participants need to complete the 9k walk on the bank holiday weekend, Saturday 28th August to Monday 30th August. For dogs who might struggle with the distance, the walk can be spread across the weekend.

Alongside the Wagathon™ campaign and in celebration of National Dog Day, which takes place on Thursday 26th August 2021, Give as you Live Donate will also be running an online competition.

Dog owners could be in with a chance of winning a £100 donation for a dog charity of their choice and a £100 hamper full of treats and goodies for their dog!

If you are a dog owner who would like to join the Wagathon™ mission and help raise much-needed funds for a chosen charity, sign your pooch up here.

Purrs of delight! Pawsome Afternoon Tea returns to a table near you

There will be biscuits, cakes and tea by the pot this August as Cats Protection’s Pawsome Afternoon Tea returns to raise cash for needy kitties near you.

The popular fundraising celebration provides cat-lovers with the opportunity to host an afternoon tea in a style of their choosing to raise money for the Cats Protection centre or volunteer-run branch of their choice.

This year’s tea will take place throughout August to enable people to meet outdoors or indoors if they wish, while following the latest government guidelines.

Abi Young, organiser of Cats Protection’s Pawsome Afternoon Tea, explains: “You could hold a tea party at home, a bake sale for your office, or enjoy a picnic outdoors – the choice is yours.

“We have some great tutorials online if you’d like to bake your own cat-shaped treats but whether you bake or buy your delicious goodies to share, every slice you sell helps give down-on-their-luck moggies a second chance.

“Each penny donated makes a big difference, for example £20 raised will feed four cats in care for 25 days, £50 will provide eight tiny kittens with milk for 14 days or £110 will pay for an x-ray for an injured cat. Our branches and centres couldn’t help unwanted cats and kittens without the kindness of our wonderful supporters baking and brewing to keep them on their paws.”

Videos showing how to make a variety of kitty bakes can be found here:

Purrfect pawprint cupcakes – https://youtu.be/sXg6gTMIlRk

Cat-face biscuits – https://youtu.be/sXg6gTMIlRk

Cat-face cupcakes – https://youtu.be/AYJKhPPM07U

Catty-dodger biscuits – https://youtu.be/sXg6gTMIlRk

To find more information about your nearest Cats Protection branch or centre visit www.cats.org.uk/find-us and to take part in this year’s Pawsome Afternoon Tea you can register your tea at www.pawsometea.org and receive top-tips as well as a party pack filled with everything you need to ensure your sale is a great success.

All pictures: Cats Protection

Charity life-saver David stops off in Edinburgh

On Saturday 26th June, David Sullivan, 58, stopped off at Edinburgh Castle to train local people how to perform life-saving CPR, before continuing his mammoth charity challenge, The World’s Longest Golf Hole. 

The journey began at John O’Groats on 11th June and is set to be completed around 22nd August at Land’s End.

David, a former armed forces skiing and mountain craft trainer from Surrey, is walking the 1,000 miles and making an estimated 250,000 golf shots, to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and to raise awareness of the importance of learning how to perform CPR.

In his challenge, David hopes to raise £60k to help place life-saving defibrillators into villages, towns and cities up and down the country.

David’s passion for teaching people CPR came about when he was faced with a life-or-death situation. When a young man experienced a cardiac arrest in front of him, David luckily knew what to do. He gave CPR for 17 minutes until the man could be treated with a defibrillator.

“It was thanks to my training, and a defibrillator being nearby, that I was able to help save the man, who luckily made a full recovery,” says David.

“When something like that happens right in front of you, it makes you realise how precious life is and how important it is to know what to do in that kind of emergency. It was an experience which profoundly affected me, and now it’s my mission to create an army of life savers all over the country.”

American Golf are kindly sponsoring David on this adventure. Gary Favell, CEO of American Golf said: “When we heard about the incredible challenge David had set himself, we immediately wanted to lend American Golf’s support.  

“David has found a way to harness his golfing prowess not only to highlight the importance of knowing CPR through his own personal experience, but to train people along his journey whilst raising funds for the British Heart Foundation – he is a true inspiration.

“American Golf champions inclusivity at every level, and we stand behind every player on their golfing journey – David’s is no exception, and we wish him every success on his mission.”

Donations can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/david-sullivan-77.

Companies wishing to get involved in helping to fund a defibrillator in their region should visit www.creatinglifesavers.com.

Greg cycles length of Britain for Scotland’s mental health

Greg McAllister, an employee at leading industrial software provider Asset Guardian Solutions Limited (AGSL), recently embarked on a 1,000 mile cycle from John o’Groats to Land’s End, helping the company raise over £3,000 for its corporate charity partner, SAMH (the Scottish Association  for Mental Health).

Greg, an enthusiastic cyclist, decided to combine his passion with the company’s annual fundraising campaign to support SAMH and raise awareness of Scotland’s mental health and wellbeing challenge.

Greg explained: “Mental health is something that has always been there and during the last two lockdowns I have noticed how important it is to talk about it and not to shy away from it.

“With AGSL partnering with SAMH, I felt that it was a good time to set myself a goal. I have wanted to try some sort of endurance challenge for a while and during lockdown I was able to increase my running and cycling to a level that I felt I would be able to complete a multi-day challenge.

“Each day was tough, with poor weather conditions and minor injuries and so I took it slow and steady, but the fundraising campaign helped me keep focused. Luckily arriving at Lands’s End was nice and sunny to finish off! I’d like to thank Asset Guardian for the support they gave me before and during the cycle.”

Greg, who is a reigning world champion bagpiper, was backed by sponsors AGSL, McCallum Bagpipes, MG Reeds and The Rollin Drones, who helped support Greg in raising awareness of the charity and its national mental health programme.

Iain Rennie, Operations Director at AGSL said: “Everyone at AGSL is very proud of Greg and his dedication in completing this challenge.  His achievement in cycling the full length of the country should not be underestimated, especially doing it solo without other riders to take some of the load. 

“And of course the fundraising effort for our partner SAMH, where Greg’s contribution should help us break through our target for this year.”

Fiona Lewis, Corporate Partnerships Manager at SAMH, said: “All of us at SAMH are delighted to be Asset Guardian’s charity partner. It’s fantastic that the staff have decided to make mental health their cause.

“Greg’s achievement is incredible and we cannot thank him enough for showing SAMH and the mental health cause such tremendous support and dedication. The funds raised by Greg, and by colleagues throughout our partnership, will fund crucial mental health support for people across Scotland – a huge thank you from everyone at SAMH.”

SAMH and Scotland’s Mental Health Challenge

SAMH is Scotland’s mental health charity and provides local mental health support and accessible information. SAMH listens to what matters in each local community, and campaign nationally for the changes that make the big and little differences in life. Now more than ever, SAMH need to make change happen.

SAMH are standing up for Scotland’s mental health. It costs just £20 to run one support session with SAMH, where the charity can spend time with someone to help them in their recovery from mental ill health. 

SAMH is committed to supporting Scotland’s mental health, especially during this difficult time. and have created a dedicated online information hub, providing for advice and information on protecting your mental health during these developments.

Visit www.samh.org.uk/coronavirus. 

For more information on SAMH, please visit www.samh.org.uk.

Asset Guardian Solutions Limited specialises in protecting and securing industrial process software and is an official corporate partner for SAMH. 

All year round, employees strive to raise awareness of mental health by supporting the charity through fundraising campaigns. With positive mental health being part of the company’s corporate culture, it hopes to raise awareness of mental health challenges together with SAMH.

For more information on AGSL, please visit www.assetguardian.com.

RCEM launches public appeal to support A&E staff facing stress and burnout

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine is launching a public appeal  to support the mental health and wellbeing of A&E staff after data show that many have struggled with burnout, distress, and other psychological conditions resulting from the stress of the pandemic, further to the continued pressures of their day-to-day work in Emergency Departments.

The NHS entered the pandemic underfunded, under-resourced and understaffed. This meant the severe demands of the ensuing pandemic were faced by the existing but understaffed workforce.

The shortage of health care workers has meant these existing staff have been continually pushed to their limits and beyond. And throughout the pandemic these health care workers have been physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged. Staff have been working with little or no respite in challenging conditions while facing ever increasing pressures.

The Health and Social Care Committee report “Workforce burnout and resilience in the NHS and social care” cites data from NHS Providers that show 92% of trusts raised “concerns about staff wellbeing, stress and burnout following the pandemic”.

A study published in January 2021 found that nearly half of frontline doctors, including those working in Emergency Medicine, suffered psychological distress during the first wave of the pandemic with others suffering from trauma, PTSD and other psychological conditions.

A study from 2019 found that working as an emergency physician is one of the most fatiguing and stress-inducing professions, a result of regularly working shifts longer than 12-hours, struggling to find work-life balance, and burnout. This was recorded prior to the pandemic, during which the pressures on Emergency Medicine staff significantly increased.

Dr John Heyworth, Consultant in Emergency Medicine in Southampton and Chair of RCEM Fundraising, said: “We know that many Emergency Medicine staff are exhausted and facing burnout.

“After 15 months of this pandemic, with waves of Covid causing intense pressures on our overstretched emergency departments, and now a return to high pre-pandemic levels of hospital activity, added to the stress of the threat of a further wave of covid – this is not surprising. But it is deeply worrying.

“We must do all we can to protect and support our frontline Emergency Department staff. Their hard work and dedication throughout this extremely challenging time has been incredible. As ever, they have been on the frontline throughout the pandemic risking their personal health and dedicating themselves to the care of others.

“The public have shown their remarkable support and respect for the health service. And now, we want to appeal to them to support our A&E staff who work 24/7 in Emergency Departments, ready to treat anyone who seeks care.

“When we know that our Emergency Medicine workforce is struggling with exhaustion, burnout, stress and other psychological conditions then we must take action, and they deserve our support.

“RCEM’s Public Mental Health and Wellbeing Appeal aims to raise money to develop and expand the support services offered to A&E staff who may be struggling with mental health conditions including PTSD, stress, burnout and exhaustion.

“The support offered will be guided and dictated by what A&E staff need most so that we can help them in the best way possible.

“RCEM’s goal is to ensure the services and support provided have a positive and lasting impact on the mental health and wellbeing of our frontline A&E workers.”

RCEM Appeal:

 https://www.rcem.ac.uk/RCEM/Get_Involved/Wellbeing_Appeal.aspx

Donate here:

http://www.rcem.ac.uk/RCEM/Get_Involved/Sign_in_for_donations.aspx?f=SPRW

Edinburgh dad limbers up for a marathon challenge after defeating cancer

Worldwide Cancer Research employee aims to raise over £2,000 to start cancer cures after all clear

A dad of two from Edinburgh is preparing to run his very first marathon in support of Edinburgh-based charity Worldwide Cancer Research, four years after his own cancer diagnosis.

Neil Woodley, 38,  was diagnosed with testicular cancer in January 2017, after getting a lump he was concerned about checked by his GP in December 2016. Treatment involving surgery and a round of chemotherapy followed, and by the summer of 2017 he was given the all clear.

Neil’s experience made him want to do more to help advance cancer research, resulting in him volunteering for a cancer charity, and then joining Worldwide Cancer Research in 2020 as Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships after a ten-year career in recruitment.

With marathon training in full flow, Neil plans to join the charity’s 25-strong team of runners in London in October to help raise thousands to fund new cancer cures and support colleagues in their quest to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. 

Speaking of his diagnosis and the time that followed, Neil says: “I noticed a lump and decided to get it checked out – and I’m glad I did.

“My GP referred me to a specialist at The Western straight away. It all happened pretty quickly. It was a really scary time, especially as my youngest son, Arlo, was only a baby at the time. I couldn’t help thinking about his future, and hoping I’d be there for him.

“I had surgery and one course of chemo as part of my treatment, and I was in the clear by summer the same year. I’m so grateful to the NHS and everyone who looked after me along the way – I really felt I was in the best hands possible.

“When I got the all clear I had a bit of an awakening. I asked myself ‘Am I happy?’, and realised I wanted to make some changes in my life.

“I love being part of the team at Worldwide Cancer Research. Not only am I right at the heart of the charity’s ambitious journey to start cancer cures by funding new and ground-breaking research projects, but I’m helping create a world without cancer – for me and my family but also for society as a whole. It’s an amazing feeling.

“The research we fund now could be the next life changing – and lifesaving – discovery helping those living with cancer in the future.”

In 2018, a year after his cancer diagnosis, Neil ran the Edinburgh half marathon and since then has been pretty competitive with himself, determined to shave time off his personal best.

Speaking about his running journey, Neil said: “I hated running for most of my life but I’ve grown to love it. It’s a real escape – I’ll lose myself in a good podcast or playlist and just go for it.

“My first proper run was a 5k around the Kelpies. I was a complete novice – it was a freezing night and I showed up in a t-shirt, shorts and really bad trainers while everyone else was wearing full length thermal gear.

“Running the London Marathon is firmly on my bucket list so it’s a real milestone for me. And I’m especially proud to join the growing number of Curestarters who are supporting Worldwide Cancer Research with their incredible fundraising efforts.

“Every step along the route means we’re one step closer to helping people that are living with cancer – that’s what will keep me going.”

For more information about Worldwide Cancer Research or to find out how you can help start new cancer cures, please visit: 

https://www.worldwidecancerresearch.org/support-us/donate/

To support Neil’s fundraising, go to: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NeilWoodley

Walk This Way with SRUK

People living across Scotland are being invited to lace up their trainers and get walking this summer in aid of people living with a chronic, life-limiting autoimmune condition called scleroderma. 

The charity Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK (SRUK) is asking people to get involved with its nationwide walking challenge and raise money for vital research and support. Participants have the option of making their walk physical or virtual and as long or as short as they need.  

The fundraiser – called The SRUK Walk – aims to raise at least £19,000 to represent the 19,000 people in the UK living with scleroderma. The money will be used to support people affected by the condition and fund research to improve diagnosis, treatment and quality of life. 

Sue Farrington, SRUK Chief Executive, said: “Scleroderma affects thousands of people and there is currently no cure. Through our research, information and support services we’re taking steps to improve the lives of everyone affected by scleroderma. And now we’re asking the public to quite literally do the same. 

“The past year has taken a toll on many people with scleroderma who have been forced to shield and, in some cases, have their treatments put on hold. We want to make sure we can be there for everyone who needs us, which is why we’re asking people to put their best foot forward – a simple act that will help make a world of difference. 

We know how supportive people in Scotland can be, so we’re hoping as many people as possible get involved.”  

Scleroderma occurs when the body’s immune system becomes overactive and begins to attack healthy tissue, causing hardening of the skin and, in some cases, other organs. It is most common in adults over the age of 40 and can also affect teenagers and young adults, although this is much rarer. 

SRUK is the only charity solely focused on improving the lives of people with scleroderma and Raynaud’s in the UK through information, support and ground-breaking research. 

To get involved with The SRUK Walk or to find out more, visit www.sruk.co.uk/walk  

Edinburgh residents urged to take part in Scotland’s Memory Walk

  • Scotland’s Memory Walk 2021 launched 
  • Alzheimer Scotland fundraising weekend 
  • Set for 18-19 September
  • New fundraising platform at memorywalk.alzscot.org goes live  
  • Participants can choose to walk where they like across the country, celebrating those they love 
  • Connect with other supporters in an online group full of amazing people with a shared mission 
  • Every penny raised in Scotland stays in Scotland to fulfill Alzheimer Scotland’s mission to ensure that nobody faces dementia alone  

Edinburgh residents are being asked to sign up to Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk this year to raise funds and vital awareness of dementia in Scotland. 

Scotland’s Memory Walk takes place on 18 & 19 September and a new fundraising platform has been launched to ensure that people taking part can feel connected and share their experience as one big community.

The idea behind Scotland’s Memory Walk is simple. People can choose where they want to walk, and with whom. 

That means participants can choose somewhere that has a special meaning for them at a time that suits them over the weekend.

And with so many great places to choose from nearby such as Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat you can create special memories with friends and family that will last a lifetime. 

The distance doesn’t matter, whether it’s 1km, 5km or 500km. It might even be a lap of the  garden. 

Best of all, it’s free of charge for everyone who takes part, although everyone is encouraged to raise as much as they can.

Participants will have the option to create a team with friends, family or colleagues and fundraise via their own personalised Memory Walk page. 

Everyone who supports the campaign will also be able to earn rewards and badges, there are also prizes and medals up for grabs this year.

Every penny raised as a result of Scotland’s Memory Walk will go directly towards the support Alzheimer Scotland offers across Scotland, including their 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline (0808 808 3000). 

Margaret Northedge (62) from Drumnadrochit near Loch Ness, who lives with dementia, said: “I didn’t want to get involved with Alzheimer Scotland’s groups at the start, but once I was there they made me so welcome and I looked forward to going again.

“When I was diagnosed, I was actually lost, it was a very sad time for me, so being able to receive support from the Dementia Centre and other people was a lifeline, because I was going down a slippery slope of depression.”

Dementia Advisor for Edinburgh, Elizabeth Campbell, said: “My role is fully funded through fundraised money and Scotland’s Memory Walk is one of the biggest fundraising events we have. 

“But it’s not just about the fundraising. Scotland’s Memory Walk brings communities together, children, adults and older adults. 

“Many participants have something in common; they are walking for someone they care about, a person living with dementia, a carer or in memory of a loved one. 

“We hope Scotland’s Memory Walk gives people the chance to honour their loved ones and feel connected to the dementia community across the country.

“It doesn’t matter where you are, or your ability, you can take part and help us to fulfil Alzheimer Scotland’s mission to make sure nobody faces dementia alone.”

To sign up to Scotland’s Memory Walk, visit: memorywalk.alzscot.org

Edinburgh student helps start cancer cures in mum’s memory

An Edinburgh student has raised over £3,900 to help Worldwide Cancer Research start cancer cures, in memory of her beloved mother who passed away three years ago following a breast cancer diagnosis.

Alex Burns, 21, joined by best friend Tara Haworth, 22, completed a 100km walking challenge along the Union Canal at the beginning of May, inspired by her mum Anne’s desire to raise money for life-saving research, and to bring together those who loved her to do something positive.

Anne Burns, who passed away in 2018, was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008.  The mum of two went into remission but was told the cancer had returned in 2014.

Speaking about coping with losing her mum, Alex, originally from Helensburgh, said: “Four years after her second diagnosis in 2014, my mum passed away on 25th March 2018, which was also her birthday. It’s been really difficult since then, and I’ve not really talked about it much.

“Although cancer is a part of her story, she is better remembered for the love and laughter she brought to everyone in her life. People didn’t really know what to say to me and my sister when mum passed away, but being able to celebrate her memory three years on has brought together all the people that loved her and helped us do something positive to remember her.”

Since it was established in 1979, Edinburgh-based UK charity Worldwide Cancer Research has funded over £200million of research in over 30 countries to start new cancer cures.

This year, 16 institutes, in 15 cities across eight countries have now received £3.2m of funding – three of which are UK-based – to fund research into 11 different cancer types, as well as fundamental research. 

Alex added: “Supporting a local charity like Worldwide Cancer Research, and particularly supporting the funding of research into new cancer cures, was something that my mum would have loved.

“When my mum was at the end of her journey, she wanted to make sure there were new avenues to explore and bring hope to others who might find themselves in the same position as her.

“There’s nothing you can say to make losing your mum easier, but doing something like this walk to, not only bring together everyone who loved my mum, but to also raise funds so that this doesn’t happen to others in the future.

“My mum loved raising money for cancer research, and I wanted to honour that by doing something I think she’d be proud of.”

Alex completed the walk with best friend Tara Haworth.

“We’ve been friends since our first year at the University of Edinburgh, where we were in rooms next door to each other in halls. Tara is my only friend from Edinburgh who actually met my mum as she passed away early in my first year.

“I wasn’t really ready to be massively social during this time, but Tara has just been so empathetic and understanding throughout this whole journey. She’s been by my side every step of the way, and now quite literally as we take on this 100km walk!

“We started walking at 4am and finished around midnight, walking from the Edinburgh Quay to the Falkirk Wheel and back, with five breaks to meet friends and family en route and celebrate my mum’s memory.

“We’ve already raised almost £4,000 which is just amazing, and we’re so thankful to everyone who has sponsored us and hopefully this money helps bring hope to more people in the future.”

Dr Helen Rippon, Chief Executive at Worldwide Cancer Research said: “Breast cancer affects a huge number of people right across the world. By funding more discovery research, we can continue to start cancer cures and save more lives in the future.

“We are so grateful to Alex and Tara for their amazing fundraising efforts and for helping us continue to make our ground-breaking research possible. Together, with the help of Curestarters like them, we can end cancer.”

For more information about Worldwide Cancer Research or to find out how you can help us start new cancer cures, please visit: 

https://www.worldwidecancerresearch.org/support-us/donate/

To support Alex’s fundraising, go to: 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alexandra-burns42