Tag: Kiltwalk

Kiltwalk for the Kids who’ve lost a member of the clan

  • The UK’s first childhood bereavement charity, Winston’s Wish, is asking people to take part in a sponsored Kiltwalk this summer
  • Winston’s Wish is calling on people to remember the children who’ve lost a member of their clan
  • The Kiltwalks will take place on Sunday 11th of August in Dundee and Sunday 15th of September in Edinburgh

The UK’s first children and young people’s bereavement charity is asking people to take part in a sponsored Kiltwalk in Dundee or Edinburgh this summer. 

As a national charity with a special interest in reaching grieving young people in communities across the UK, Winston’s Wish is keen to forge a future in which no child is left to grieve alone. 

The charity is mustering well-travelled trekkers or fledgling footsloggers to don their clan’s kilts and take part in a ‘Mighty Stride’ or a ‘Wee Wander’ to raise awareness and to support bereaved children and young people. 

Established for more than 30 years, Winston’s Wish reaches more than 60,000 bereaved children and young people up to the age of 25 when their worlds are turned upside down by grief. Each day, estimates suggest that more than 120 young people are bereaved of a parent and that figure doesn’t equate how many are coping with the death of a sibling, friend or another significant person in their lives. 

The Kiltwalks will take place in Dundee (11th August) and Edinburgh (15th September) and participants have a £20 registration fee with no minimum sponsorship required.

There are three lengths to choose from; the ‘Mighty Stride’ which is approximately 21 miles, the ‘Big Stroll’ which stretches across 11 miles or the ‘Wee Wander’, also open to juniors, which is five miles long. Last year alone, the Kiltwalk raised more than £5 million for good causes.

Individuals as well as families, friends and corporate teams are encouraged to come together to support charities who are making strides in helping those in Scotland. Winston’s Wish delivers one-to-one support to the bereaved young people locally for whom individual counselling was suitable as well as answering helpline calls and other messages.

The charity also delivers bespoke training to Scottish professionals working in educational, healthcare and funeral services to feel capable and confident to support a bereaved young person. 

Winston’s Wish Trustee Neil Musgrove is taking part in both Kiltwalks this summer, after already completing his first trek earlier this month in Aberdeen.

A commercial financial director with Expedian, Neil explains his connection to the charity: “My wife Rachael was diagnosed with cancer in July 2017 and sadly passed away in March 2019.  We have three wonderful boys, who at the time were 11, 12 and 14. As a Father I was alone; I just wanted to be able to help them be OK.  

“A few years later, the opportunity to apply for the Treasurer Board role at Winston’s Wish came up.  It was a charity I’d heard a lot about from the support network of widows and widowers I’d built. 

“And if I could use my professional skills and experience to help even one more child get the support, they needed in their grief then it would have been worth it. I applied for the role and am incredibly privileged and proud to be part of such a wonderful organisation making a huge difference.”

Neil already has one Kiltwalk under his belt after completing the first part of his challenge in Aberdeen. He says, “I’ve completed the first walk which was up in Aberdeen. It was a fantastic experience. 

“There were well over 5,000 people taking part. It was a really lovely atmosphere, with so many different charities being supported by so many people to which each cause meant something personal. That made it feel really special. So much good being done by so many people just trying to make a little positive difference.

If you are interested in taking part in your own ‘Wee Wander or ‘Mighty Stride’ in Scotland this summer then don’t forget to review the dedicated webpage on the Winston’s Wish website for further details and take step toward a future when no child is left to grieve alone.  

Winston’s Wish is keen to reassure bereaved young people and their families that they are welcome to chat online, email or call for free to speak to a bereavement support worker by calling 08088 020 021, emailing ask@winstonswish.org or using the live chat at winstonswish.org.

Kiltwalk Kindness: Capital walkers raise £1.42 million!

Edinburgh Kiltwalk fundraising closed at midnight last night [Wednesday 28 September] with a bumper £2,136,590 going out to help 500 different charities.

A total of 5,000 Kiltwalk heroes raised a whopping £1.42 million. This sum was topped up by an astonishing £710,000 from The Hunter Foundation, securing a grand total of £2.137 million for 500 charities across Scotland.

Sir Tom Hunter said: “The Kiltwalk Kindness of people in Edinburgh and the East was there for all to see on September 18th. Wearing a bit of tartan, they walked around the capital from Bingham Medway to BT Murrayfield and I am proud that our 5,000 Kiltwalkers raised this phenomenal amount to help so many Scottish Charities.

“It makes me very proud to know that all this fundraising will make a huge difference in these difficult economic times. It was great to be back together in Edinburgh after three years due to Covid.

“We thank every member of the Kiltwalk community, our headline sponsors Royal Bank of Scotland and Arnold Clark, Gold sponsor Johnston Carmichael and LIDL and all our sponsors, staff and Kiltie volunteers for their unwavering support.”

Edinburgh shows its Kiltwalk Kindness

Five thousand Kiltwalkers gathered in Edinburgh today [Sunday 18 September] and fell silent across the capital before setting off to raise over £2 million for 500 hard pressed Scottish charities.

A minute’s silence was held as a mark of respect and thanks for the life of the late Monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.  Pipers also played in moving scenes at the 21-mile Mighty Stride, the 13-mile Big Stroll, and the four-mile Wee Wander. Those still walking later in the day observed the national one minute’s silence at 8pm.

500 charities across Scotland will benefit from the first physical Kiltwalk to take place in the capital since 2019. Out of respect for those visiting the Queen’s official residence Holyrood Palace, The Mighty Stride moved away from Holyrood Park to a new Start at Bingham Medway.  

The walkers’ fundraising is topped-up by 50% by The Hunter Foundation.

Sir Tom Hunter said “I am incredibly proud of the Kiltwalk community for the respect they have shown at the death of Her Majesty the Queen whilst at the same time raising funds for 500 charities who really need it.

“We thank each and every one of our Kiltwalk heroes for their amazing endeavours for the common good.”

Football legend Graeme Souness tackled the Mighty Strike alongside Commonwealth Gold winning boxers Sean Lazzerini and Reese Lynch. The trio walked and raised money for charity, DEBRA, just one of 500 different Scottish charities.  

Businesses across Scotland came together to support the Kiltwalk with the Royal Bank of Scotland and Arnold Clark:    

  • The Hunter Foundation underwrites The Kiltwalk    
  • Royal Bank of Scotland and Arnold Clark are headline sponsors of Kiltwalk   
  • Johnston Carmichael is Gold sponsor    
  • Lidl is ‘Official Supermarket Partner’ providing delicious snacks to keep energy levels high   
  • STV Children’s Appeal is the official grant making partner so those who choose to walk for Kiltwalk will see their funds distributed via STV Children’s Appeal   
  • Trespass supply quality uniforms for Kiltwalk’s Kiltie volunteers and staff   
  • Bullet Express is the ‘Official Logistics Partner’  
  • Tunnock’s donate their renowned chocolate bars 

Kiltwalk raises a record £8.4m for charities across Scotland in 2021

First physical event in two years contributes £2.2m following 100% top up 

Scotland’s legendary Kiltwalk Kindness has raised a remarkable £8.4 million for more than 1,200 charities across the country this year after 15,500 heroes put on a bit of tartan and took part in events.

The record-breaking sum includes £2.2 million raised last week by the first physical Kiltwalk in two years.

Scotland’s Kiltwalk, held on Sunday September 26 in Glasgow, attracted 4,000 walkers of all ages. Together they raised £1.1 million for almost 500 charities desperate for assistance following lockdown. In a video message Sir Tom Hunter revealed their fundraising total is being topped up by an astonishing 100% after The Hunter Foundation added 50% and the Kiltwalk itself provided a further 50%.

April’s Virtual event saw 11,500 Kiltwalkers raise £4.1 million, with an additional £2.05 million donated from the Hunter Foundation; assuring a massive £6.15 million for Scottish charities big and small.

Sir Tom Hunter said: “Last week we all got together to walk for charities we care about and the smiles on everyone’s faces said it all: Kiltwalk is back!

“Scotland’s Kiltwalk raised just over £1.1 million for the charities but after speaking to walkers we were so struck by how much of a lifeline Kiltwalk has been that we are topping up this figure not by 50% but by 100%; with 50% coming from The Hunter Foundation and 50% coming from the Kiltwalk itself. So that’s an amazing £2.2 million for Scottish charities.

“I’m also proud to confirm that 2021 is our biggest year ever, raising a staggering £8.4 million for more than 1,200 Scottish charities. At a time when those in need really needed help, the Kiltwalk community went beyond the call of duty, so I want to thank them and all of our sponsors, Royal Bank of Scotland, Arnold Clark and Johnston Carmichael for their Kiltwalk Kindness. We look forward to seeing you all in 2022.”

News of the 100% top up was welcomed by charities, who have faced a variety of challenges as a result of the pandemic.

Caroline Speirs, co-founder, Calum’s Cabin, which offers retreats on the Isle of Bute for families struggling with childhood cancer, said: “Kiltwalk is the largest fundraising annual event for Calum’s Cabin.

“It brings together Calum’s Cabin supporters from all walks of life including those who have been through the journey of their child suffering from cancer, families who are still going through the journey and tragically families who are walking in memory of their children.

“Receiving a 100% top up will be a great boost for us and will help make a real difference to the life of a child suffering from cancer.”

Fiona Leslie, senior community and challenge events fundraiser, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), said “After a phenomenal 100% top up from Sir Tom Hunter and the Kiltwalk CHAS walkers raised an amazing £67,832 at Scotland’s Kiltwalk, which will help our mission to reach every single baby, child and young person who needs us, despite the current situation.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have been one of the biggest charities taking part and we’d like to say a massive thank you to every walker who took on the challenge – we know it wasn’t easy! It was fantastic to be back at a live event after the pandemic.”

The Kiltwalk’s 50% top up of £550,000 was donated from the charity event’s reserves, which were built up from registration and sponsorship fees, and the ongoing support of staff and volunteers.

For more information, visit www.thekiltwalk.co.uk

Join Team Stroke for Kiltwalk

Sunday 26 September in Glasgow 

The Stroke Association is calling on you to take part in a walking challenge to support the thousands of stroke survivors living with the devastating effects of stroke. The Kiltwalk takes place on Sunday 26 September from Glasgow Green at 11am. 

Amanda Potter from Greenock said: “I decided to take part in Kiltwalk this year as it is something I have not yet taken part in when fundraising for a charity. I have previously taken part in the Stroke Association’s Resolution Run in 2019 after my mum had a stroke in August 2018 at only 52 years old.

“Without the money raised through fundraising, there would have been no treatment for my mum to continue to live her life again.

“I’m super excited to be taking part in Kiltwalk this year with some of my work colleagues and help raise awareness and money for a great cause!”

The walk is open to anyone from Scotland. Participants can take part by undertaking The  Mighty Stride of 16.5 miles or the Wee Wander of 3.5 miles.  

Andrea Watt, Fundraiser for the North of Scotland said: “Be a Kiltwalk hero in 2021 and join Team Stroke! All Kiltwalk fundraising for the Stroke Association gets a massive 50% boost from The Hunter Foundation.

So why not take on the challenge as a family or maybe a team effort with your work colleagues? Whatever you want to do! We hope to see you there!

Sign up at www.thekiltwalk.co.uk and select Stroke Association as your chosen charity.

Annette will put best foot forward to raise funds for the blind on Edinburgh’s virtual Kiltwalk

Scotland’s Virtual Kiltwalk is taking place from April 23rd to 25th and Leith couple Annette and Warren West plan to put their best feet forward in aid of sight loss charity RNIB Scotland.

“Our proposed route is from my house in Leith to Portobello and back again,” she says, “approximately six miles, which is in similar length to the traditional Kiltwalk’s ‘Wee Wander’ option.”

Annette (61) has experienced sight loss herself for over 30 years but has always been helped and supported by RNIB Scotland. She thinks lockdown has made the Edinburgh-based charity’s services even more vital.

But rather than join her on her walk, where social distancing rules still apply, she suggests people might want to sponsor her, or organise their own activities and donate any funds raised to her Just Giving page.

“The great thing about the Kiltwalk has always been that any money raised is topped up by 50 percent by the Tom Hunter Foundation,” Annette says. “So any donation can lever in even more money, increasing the impact.

“I’m now into my fifth year of doing the Kiltwalk and fundraising on behalf of RNIB Scotland is more important than ever, as it enables blind and partially sighted people to stay connected with each other at a time when many are feeling very isolated.

“I’m also passionate about health and wellbeing and I try to maintain regular exercise, which isn’t always easy due to the restrictions currently in place. Having the Virtual Kiltwalk gives me something to focus on and keeps me motivated.

“It helps me, too, to develop good eating habits and take regular exercise. So, for me doing the Kiltwalk is not just about walking but a way of maintaining a healthy balanced life-style.”

You can donate to Annette’s Just Giving page at: https://virtual.thekiltwalk.co.uk/fundraising/ScotlandsVirtualKiltwalk2021-AnnetteWest.

Hutchie’s Holly to take part in Street Soccer Scotland’s ‘Big Dribble’ charity challenge

Holly Blackham is hoping to raise funds and encourage families to take part in charity event to help society’s disadvantaged 

Holly Blackham from Edinburgh is taking part in Scotland’s biggest ever football relay to raise vital funds for Street Soccer Scotland, a charity that helps people from a variety of socially disadvantaged backgrounds through football-themed training.

The 13-year-old will take part in the inaugural ‘Big Dribble’ along with 64 other participants as they look to dribble a specially designed Street Soccer Scotland tartan football 230 miles from Pittodrie Stadium in Aberdeen, down the east coast of Scotland and through the central belt, finishing at Scotland’s National Stadium, Hampden Park.

The challenge will start at 6am on 23rd April and will see participants walking day and night, with Holly taking part in the Edinburgh part of the relay passing Murrayfield, her old Primary school – Rosemount Primary, and the clubhouse of her current team Hutchison Vale. The challenge is expected to finish at approximately 11.30am on Sunday 25th April.

Holly said: “For me, football is about so much more than just kicking a ball. It’s about playing as a team, having the right mentality and working hard to put in the effort. Street Soccer Scotland have a lot of the same values and see the affect football can have and I want to support them to do the great work they carry out in communities.

“Football plays a big role in my life. I have played for Hutchison Vale for the past few years and hope to one day be a professional player for Aberdeen FC. The Big Dribble was something I was keen to be a part of as it allows me to help others through my love of football.”

David Duke, Founder and CEO of Street Soccer Scotland, hopes the new initiative can help to raise awareness of the charity’s work and believes this is a great opportunity to unite the country through football during these difficult times.  

“We’re excited to launch our first participation event involving some amazing people from across Scotland,” he said. “We’ve been looking at hosting a country-wide event for a while now, but with COVID putting those plans on hold, we’re delighted that we’ve found a solution in The Big Dribble that unites people in a nationwide challenge while safely taking part in their own local areas.

“Dribbling the football from Aberdeen all the way to Glasgow through the day and night is no easy feat, so we’re extremely thankful to Holly and the others for rising to the challenge. Their fundraising efforts are massively appreciated and we’re extremely grateful to everyone who has continued to support Street Soccer Scotland throughout this challenging time.”

Street Soccer Scotland has also launched ‘The Wee Dribble’ so families across the country can also take on their own challenge over the same weekend. The charity has 50 special tartan footballs to giveaway to families who sign up to the event, and anyone who raises over £100 will also receive an exclusive tartan t-shirt.

David added: “We’re overwhelmed at how quickly our Big Dribble spaces filled up, so much so we’ve launched our Wee Dribble fundraiser to allow anyone and everyone across Scotland to still take part safely in their local areas.

“We had so many families looking to sign up to The Big Dribble, but as the challenge takes place during the night in some areas, it was a bit more difficult for them to take part. Now, the Wee Dribble allows children, parents and guardians to put their own spin on the challenge.

“Whether it’s doing laps in their back garden or keep-ups at their local park, we’re hoping as many families as possible will join in the fun to help support those less fortunate at this time when they need it the most.”

The event will be part of this year’s virtual Kiltwalk and allows people to take part in the nation’s biggest ever football relay in a COVID friendly way. The total funds raised by Holly and those in The Big and Wee Dribbles will be topped up 50% by The Hunter Foundation.

Also taking part in the event will be a few well-known faces from Scottish football, along with representatives from global brands Baillie Gifford, John Lewis Partners, Waitrose and The Wood Group.

To donate to Holly’s fundraising efforts, please visit:

https://virtual.thekiltwalk.co.uk/fundraising/TheBigDribble-Holly

Families looking to take part in ‘The Wee Dribble’ can sign up at www.thekiltwalk.co.uk and choosing Street Soccer Scotland as the nominated charity. 

Founded in 2009 by David Duke MBE, Street Soccer Scotland is a social enterprise and charity which has helped over 10,000 people by using the power of football to create positive change by providing purpose, opportunity and connection for adults and young people experiencing social exclusion. Street Soccer Scotland delivers programmes across the whole of the country, 365 days a year.

For more information or to donate to Street Soccer Scotland, please visit: 

https://www.streetsoccerscotland.org

Charity fundraiser to complete Kiltwalk challenge to help keep children safe from abuse

An NSPCC Scotland fundraiser from East Lothian, will walk thirteen miles, play tennis for nine hours and walk her dog for six miles over three days (16 – 18 April) to help protect children from harm.

Linda Hamilton, from Port Seton, has worked as a community fundraising manager for NSPCC Scotland for four years and will take on the three-day challenge as part of this year’s virtual Kiltwalk. The money raised will be topped up by 50% by the Hunter Foundation, organisers of the annual event.

Linda Hamilton, community fundraising manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “This last year has been tough for all of us, and children have been the hidden victims of the pandemic.

“With schools closed for lots of the last year, children have been cut off from their friends and support networks, with many young people feeling alone and isolated, and some, sadly, having to deal with bereavement.”

The NSPCC supports children and young people around the country by providing its Childline service, which children can contact to speak to a trained counsellor about anything they are worried about.

The charity also has a service centre in Govan, Glasgow, which provides community outreach and therapeutic services to local families, helping them to provide the best support to their children.

Linda added: “It has also been a challenging year for fundraising, as most events were postponed, cancelled or held virtually. But that’s not stopped our amazing supporters from coming up with innovative ways of raising funds. 

“After last year’s Kiltwalk was cancelled, one of our Childline volunteers, Siobhain, took it upon herself to walk a full marathon in her back garden, taking her more than eight hours, raising £1,000.

“We’ve also had people host virtual quizzes and bingo games, as well as ‘celebrate and donate’ in which supporters have simply set up a Just Giving page and asked their friends and family to make a donation instead of buying them a gift for their birthday or other celebration.

“I signed up for my three-day Kiltwalk challenge because I know how important the work of the NSPCC is, and the real difference it can make in children and young people’s lives.”

Linda will complete the challenge around Port Seton, and the ‘tennisathon’ will take place at her local club of eight years, Longniddry Tennis Club.

Linda said: “We can only continue to be there to support children and young people with the help of the general public, and if anyone would like to fundraise for the NSPCC, please do get in touch with me at linda.hamilton@nspcc.org.uk”

To sign up for this year’s virtual Kiltwalk, and raise money for NSPCC Scotland, search ‘virtual kiltwalk’, and to sponsor Linda in her challenge visit: https://bit.ly/3mvhfsY

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free on 0808 800 5000. Children can call Childline at any time on 0800 1111.

Fundraise for Held In Our Hearts this September

Held In Our Hearts are looking for your help in virtual events in September

The Edinburgh Marathon weekend was due to take place on 5th and 6th September and now will be a virtual event.

You can sign up and run your chosen distance anytime between now and the end of December  and fundraise for Held In Our Hearts. You will still receive that all important blue t -shirt and medal. https://virtual.edinburghmarathon.com

The Edinburgh Kiltwalk was due to take place on 13th September  but will now go ahead as a virtual event.

You can still sign up and walk your chosen distance and fundraise for the charityhttps://thekiltwalk.co.uk/events/edinburgh

Held In Our Hearts is a local charity proving baby loss counselling and support to families. Formerly known as SANDS Lothians, we have 40 years’ experience of offering compassionate care bereavement care in the community.

When a family’s baby dies, it is an incredibly traumatic and extremely lonely time as parents struggle to find others who can connect with the overwhelming emotions they experience.

The majority of our staff are bereaved themselves, so we are there to let them know they are not alone. Through our support services, we journey with families providing empathy, while they start to come to terms with what has happened and help support them in their grief.

As we are now going into the second half of 2020  bereaved families need your support more than ever and as the world starts to return to a new normal our families know that life without their precious baby is a new normal for them.

For more information on your events or if you want to fundraise in other ways you can contact tracy@heldinourhearts.org.uk

New Zealand women complete the Dundee Virtual Kilt Walk while UK sleeps

While Scotland slept on Thursday night, two women finished the virtual Dundee Kiltwalk almost as far from the city as it is possible to get.

Jane Ludemann and her mother Elspeth walked up Signal Hill in Dunedin, New Zealand, three times. They began at 9:30am on Friday the 3rd of July New Zealand time, which is 10:30pm on Thursday GMT.

Signal Hill is 393 metres (1289 feet) high.

They chose this  hill because the monument at its summit is hewn from the rock on which Edinburgh Castle stands and they completed the Kiltwalk to raise money for research into low grade serous ovarian carcinoma at the University of Edinburgh.

When Jane was diagnosed with this rare form of cancer at the age of 32, three years ago, she discovered that there was very little research on the disease and no way to fund research into it anywhere in the world.

That spurred her to establish Cure Our Ovarian Cancer, a charitable trust dedicated to increasing awareness of LGSOC, supporting women with the disease and raising funds for research into better treatments and an eventual cure.

The University of Edinburgh is their UK charity partner. Cure Our Ovarian Cancer hopes to part fund a researcher at the University of Edinburgh to develop better laboratory models of the cancer to help find new treatments.

Since 2019 they’ve raised over £10,000 of their £25,000 target.

“University of Edinburgh’s Professor Charlie Gourley has provided national leadership of low-grade serous clinical trials in the UK.  Furthermore the work of his research team is world renowned,” Jane said.

“Historically low-grade serous ovarian cancer has been overlooked. It disproportionately affects young women and the overall survival rates are really poor. It’s really confronting to stare death in the face at such a young age. If I don’t survive, the thing I want most in the world is to know this won’t happen to someone else. Knowing that Professor Gourley is on the other side of the world, working hard to improve survival, makes life that bit easier”, says Jane. 

Elspeth said that when Jane was diagnosed she and her husband Grant said they would do anything they could to help her: “I didn’t think that would entail climbing a steep hill three times, but thankfully the Kiltwalk is about distance not speed.”

The rock at the top of the hill isn’t the only link between the Ludemann’s Kiltwalk and Scotland. Elspeth’s father, Charles Sime, was born in Dundee and lived there until he immigrated to New Zealand in his 20s.

“Although Dad ended up living in New Zealand longer than he lived in Scotland, he retained his accent and took great pride in wearing his kilt,” Elspeth said.

“He would be very sad that his granddaughter has cancer but so proud of what she is doing to raise awareness and funds. He loved tramping and would be tickled pink that we are doing the Kiltwalk with its link to him home town.”

Six hours and 30 000 steps later the pair finished their walk. Jane said: “I don’t think we’ll win any prizes for speed but we put in a lot of effort. I’m looking forward to an early night.

“I’m thrilled that we have been able to support the University of Edinburgh’s cancer research today, from the other side of the world.”

To make a donation to Jane’s efforts go to: https://dundeekiltwalk2020.everydayhero.com/uk/jane-3