Nursery gets out and about to raise funds for Arthur’s charity

A Drumbrae children’s nursery have been so inspired by one of their children that they decided to organise a sponsored walk and obstacle course to raise funds for specialist disability charity, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland

One year old Arthur MacDonald, a pupil at the local nursery, has spina bifida myelomeningocele. He was the first baby in Edinburgh to have his spina bifida lesion operated on whilst still in his mother’s womb through a pioneering in-utero surgery in Brussels. Despite the eventful start to his life, he continues to amaze his family every day with his progress. 

It’s this inspirational story, as well as his cheery disposition, that was the trigger for the Drumbrae Edinburgh nursery to organise a sponsored walk around the outskirts of Fauldburn Park, raising funds for SBH Scotland, who offer support to children and families affected by these disabilities.  

The sun shone and over 50 children, siblings, parents and pooches set off on their walk and raising an amazing £2,293.60 in the process.

Gayle Sim, Administrator at the nursery said: “Arthur is a lovely wee boy, and we are delighted he and his parents chose us as his nursery. We could think of no better charity to choose as our nominated charity for the year than SBH Scotland and this seemed the perfect way to start our fundraising. 

She continued: “We’re overwhelmed at having raised such a phenomenal amount and we can’t wait to raise more for this amazing charity throughout the year. A massive thank you to everyone who got involved.”

SBH Scotland provide a lifetime commitment of support and information to anyone affected by the rare, complex disabilities of spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. They offer a range of services across Scotland including 1-2-1 support in home, hospital and nurseries/schools, a helpline, an adapted holiday cottage, health and wellness clinics and support groups.

Deborah Roe, fundraising director at SBH Scotland said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the nursery as their generous donation will go towards our family support service which provides key workers, who can offer personalised support and run activities and clubs for families like the MacDonald/Milligan’s. 

“Each year we need to raise £1million pounds and without donations like this, we wouldn’t be there for families at a time when they need us the most.”
If you are affected by spina bifida and would like support or information, please visit www.sbhscotland.org.uk.

If you’d like to create your own fundraising challenge or take part in a sponsored activity please contact Lynsey Hamilton, Fundraising Manager, on 03455 211 600 or email fundraising@sbhscotland.org.uk

Millennium Centre sponsored walk to support summer playscheme

Yes, it’s that time of year again when we ask the community ( individuals, organisations and groups) to take part in our Sponsored Walk – either by taking part themselves or by making a donation to give our kids a great three weeks of fun and travel (writes James McGinty). 

Continue reading Millennium Centre sponsored walk to support summer playscheme

Walkathon support hotting up!

Support is hotting up – just like the weather!

North Edinburgh’s art, community and health centres are preparing to welcome walkers with open doors – despite the NEN Walkathon taking place on a Saturday there is a healthy interest in being part of this community event (writes Ann Confrey).
In addition to Edinburgh College Granton Campus who are kindly welcoming walkers and allowing The Hub to be used for the START and FINISH of the Walkathon on Saturday 20th July, we have confirmation that:
North Edinburgh Arts Centre
Muirhouse Library
Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre
and Pilton Community Health Project 
will also be OPEN and that management, staff and volunteers look forward to welcoming walkers with refreshments and information on the facilities, support and activities they offer.
Do your bit and join us – ask family, friends and neighbours to sponsor you to take part in the Walkathon. Download your sponsor form or collect one from Reception at Granton Campus.
Don’t want to ask for sponsors? That’s OK, simply turn up and join in – have fun and discover what’s on your doorstep and if you decide to donate a pound or two to your community newspaper there will be a collection box at the registration desk!
We look forward to seeing you at
10.00am on Saturday 20th July!
Ann Confrey
NEN Board
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Walk the Walk with Fresh Start

FreshStartHomelessness resettlement charity Fresh Start is urging fundraisers to walk ‘The Walk’ when its sixth annual sponsored walk takes place on 31 May – and walkers are being urged to sign up today! Last year a record 62 people walked the eight mile route together and the charity is hoping to beat that this time.

Fresh Start Director Keith Robertson, said: “Providing a roof over a family or an individual’s head is the first step in ending homelessness but making sure they keep it is the next challenge. That’s where Fresh Start comes in. We help people get the fresh start they deserve in life – and all money raised from the sponsored walk will go towards our work helping people who have been homeless resettle into the community.”

George Banks, from Ebenezer United Free Church in Edinburgh, who volunteers at Fresh Start, helping prepare the charity’s Starter Packs, said: “Last year was my first year on the walk which I enjoyed so much I am doing it again this year. Some friends of Fresh Start have been walking The Walk for a number of years and I’m delighted to take part again. The Walk takes you through some fascinating bits of Edinburgh and when you get tired there are plenty of places to have a wee seat – all in the knowledge that there is a huge welcome at the finish line and that you are doing it for a great cause.”

The 2013 walk follows its traditional eight-mile route along the Water of Leith to Colinton Dell, where we go on to the Union Canal towpath and head back into town towards the finishing line at Lochrin Basin, Fountainbridge.

The walk sets out from Dean Parish Church at 10.00am, with lunch and refreshments being served on the Re-union Canal boat.

Everyone is welcome to join in the fun. There’s no fee to take part however each walker is asked to raise a minimum of £25. For those wishing to raise money, a new Just Giving site has been set up at

http://www.justgiving.com/freshstartedinburgh

To register your interest, telephone Fresh Start offices on 0131 476 7741

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