16 Kiltwalk Heroes, from Scotland to as far as Munich, took on the Mighty Stride on September 15th, marching 21 miles around Edinburgh to raise an incredible £10,500 for this new Scottish-founded international development charity, that changes lives through football, starting in Kalingalinga, Zambia.
Much of these funds were immediately spent by Africa On The Ball (AOTB) putting on a much needed First Aid course for the community, which ran last Friday.
The money will also enable a third solar powered drinking water station to be built for the 3 local schools and orphanage that AOTB supports, which is vital as Zambia suffers its worst drought to date. The rest will provide more coaches & ten academic and skills Scholarships for young people at the Lusaka Youth Resource Centre.
AOTB transforms communities across Africa by embracing the power of football to build a foundation for life-long success. They collaboratively inspire, empower and support communities in Zambia and throughout Africa, using the passion for football as a catalyst to improve education, healthcare, inclusivity and enterprise, creating sustainable brighter futures.
The charity began in 2013 after a Stirling University student Andrew Jenkin met an orphaned Zambian, Kelvin Chasauka who went on to play pro football in Norway, realised what football gave to him, and decided to come back to his community in Lusaka and help change lives positively through the power of football.
Together they set up a community football club that is so much more than a pitch with grassroots outreach development projects in education, health, equality and enterprise.
The players become local leaders helping to develop their community by working and learning together as a team to transform their lives.
So Africa On the Ball was founded in Scotland alongside a community football club in Glasgow (Glasgow On The Ball, with 4 teams playing in Sunday Leagues and open to all, #glasgowontheball) to share their passion for the game as well as help raise funds and awareness for the works of Africa On The Ball.
Eight GOTB players walked the Kiltwalk.
The AOTB club in Kalingalinga has over 15 teams of boys & girls, men & women, over 300 members supporting 4 schools, funded 57 scholarships, built 2 solar panelled water kiosks & staged many tournaments where vital health education messages are delivered alongside a competitive show.
Limitless DMC team members, Angela Inglis, Geoff Crow, and Pamela Badham, successfully completed the 20-mile Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday 15th of September, raising £4,751 in support of ForRefugees.
The funds will go directly towards vital initiatives to support refugees across Europe, with the team aiming to reach a final fundraising target of £5,000.
The money raised will support several key initiatives led by ForRefugees over the next few months.
In Athens, the charity will provide language lessons and vocational training for refugees aged 18-25, equipping them with essential skills to rebuild their lives.
Additionally, a mobile ‘free clothes’ shop will be established, providing clothing to those in need. The funds will also be used to provide food vouchers in Lithuania. These three initiatives are estimated to assist approximately 5,000 people in total.
Angela Inglis, Director at Limitless DMC,has a personal connection to ForRefugees, having travelled to Greece last year with the charity’s founder, Amber Bauer.
During her visit, she witnessed the challenging conditions in refugee camps, an experience that further fuelled her commitment to raising awareness and support for the cause.
Angela said:“Completing the Kiltwalk was a challenging experience, but it’s nothing compared to the hardships that refugees face daily. Every pound we raise makes a direct impact on their lives.”
Directors Geoff Crow and Pamela Badham joined Angela on this journey, driven by the desire to contribute to the charity’s meaningful work.
Pamela Badham, Director at Limitless DMC, said:“We’ve been inspired by the resilience of the people ForRefugees helps. Being able to contribute to their efforts in a tangible way is incredibly rewarding.”
As the team seeks to reach their £5,000 fundraising goal, they invite further support from the community. Donations can be made via their GiveMatch page, where contributions will be matched to maximise the impact of each donation.
The funds raised will have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of refugees and displaced individuals, providing educational opportunities, essential clothing, and food security to those who need it most.
9,100 Kiltwalk Heroes raised funds for 800 charities
9,100 Kiltwalk Heroes took over the capital today in the biggest-ever Edinburgh Kiltwalk, with 802 different Scottish charities already benefitting from every penny and pound raised. The fundraising total stood at £1.3 million at 9 am, as 3,700 smiling walkers, many of them sporting a touch of tartan, set off from the magnificent Holyrood Park.
Another 3,100 walkers took on the 11-mile Big Stroll from Fisherrow Links, Musselburgh, while 2,300 embarked on the 5-mile Wee Wander from Victoria Park. All participants completed their tartan-clad journey at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium finish line.
The Hunter Foundation, which underwrites the Kiltwalk, ensures it remains Scotland’s most affordable platform for charities to raise crucial funds. Sir Tom Hunter of The Hunter Foundation joined the walkers in Edinburgh and paid tribute to their incredible efforts.
Sir Tom Hunter said:“This is a record-breaking Kiltwalk – Edinburgh’s biggest ever, with over 9,000 people. Every year, we continue to grow, which is a double-edged sword as it reflects the increasing number of people in need within our communities.
“But for every person in need, there’s a good person ready to lend a helping hand by taking part in events like Kiltwalk. Kiltwalk connects those in need with those who want to help – seamlessly and with a smile. Thank you for your Kiltwalk kindness.”
The Hunter Foundation surprised three charities by giving each a £5,000 cash boost during the ‘Happiest Minute at Kiltwalk’ giveaways.
Local charities River Kids, which provides clothing, toys, and household essentials to disadvantaged children, and Hopscotch, which offers respite breaks for children, were both stunned by the announcement just before setting off from Holyrood Park.
Later, at Victoria Park, Edinburgh School Uniform Bank, which supports children with essential school uniforms, was equally delighted when it, too, was awarded £5,000 to support its important work.
Pit stops along the route offered delicious snacks from Kiltwalk’s Official Supermarket partner, Lidl, and encouragement was provided by charities Cyrenians, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), and Marie Curie.
Fundraising manager for Cyrenians, Sophie Bell, said: “The Cyrenians team had an incredible time at our first-ever Pit Stop.
“The day was an invaluable opportunity for many lovely walkers to learn about the vital prevention work we do in local communities. Scotland should be a place where people facing tough times get the support they need before they hit a crisis, but right now, we’re in a national housing emergency.
“We are especially grateful to the amazing fundraisers who supported– every penny raised is helping us to provide essential support to even more people in crisis. A massive thank you from us all at Cyrenians for your dedication and support!”
Community and events fundraiser for SAMH, Catriona Wilson, said: “The SAMH team loved every minute of our day.
“We were grateful to have an incredible 169 Kiltwalkers who took part in support of SAMH, and it was really moving to spend time with them at our Pit Stop and hear their stories about why they’ve chosen to raise much-needed funds for Scotland’s mental health.
“It’s also a great reminder that being physically active is a powerful way to support our mental wellbeing. From everyone at SAMH, we’d love to extend a huge thank you to each of our supporters – the need for our life-changing services continues to grow, and your support is helping us transform lives.”
Every Kiltwalker who registered and fundraised is in with a chance of winning a car worth £30,000 thanks to Headline Sponsor Arnold Clark.
Lee-Ann Edison, Group Communications and PR Director of Arnold Clark, said: “Kiltwalk is an amazing charity that makes such a huge difference to communities across Scotland, and we’re delighted to continue our support with another fantastic event.
“Edinburgh Kiltwalk might be the last Kiltwalk of 2024, but it sure was a memorable one! Especially for one lucky Kiltwalker who will have the chance to win any car up to the value of £30,000!
“Everyone should be very proud of their involvement and the profound impact their fundraising will have.
“Well done to everyone who took part!”
Royal Bank of Scotland, Headline Sponsor of Kiltwalk and Partner of Team GB at the Paris Olympics, helped ensure all finish-line meals were served in compostable pots, all rubbish was fully recycled and reused, and nothing went to landfill.
Judith Cruickshank, One Bank Scotland Chair, Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “The Kiltwalk is one of the highlights of Scotland’s charity and community calendar, and it is one Royal Bank of Scotland has been proud to partner.
“The events brings together thousands of people from across the country and the Edinburgh walk in the country’s capital was no exception. Hundreds of bank colleagues joined customers and the public to help fundraise for groups and charities which are making a positive difference to people across Scotland.
“Whether as participant, volunteer or spectator, everyone here in Edinburgh today has helped make it another success. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, its impact will also be felt for months and years to come.”
At the finish line, there was music, dancing, hot food, and novelty acts like tartan-clad stilt walkers, courtesy of Gold Sponsor Johnston Carmichael.
Kiltwalk is fully underwritten by The Hunter Foundation, enabling the Mighty Stride and Big Stroll to offer a reduced entry fee of just £20. Every penny raised by the walkers goes directly to the charities chosen by them, and they can claim Gift Aid, which can raise the totals by 25%.
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.
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.”
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’
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.
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.
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.”
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:
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: