Latest news with #AberdeenKiltwalk
Press and Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
GALLERY: Aberdeen Kiltwalk 2025 along the Deeside Railway
The Deeside Way became a sea of tartan as thousands of walkers took part in the Aberdeen Kiltwalk to raise money for charities close to their hearts. Aberdeen Kiltwalkers were on track to raise over £1.2 million for 500 charities, with a record-breaking 6,000 participants of all ages beaming as they donned their kilts and came together for a day full of energy and purpose. The Kiltwalk featured two route options, each starting in a different location but ending at the same spot. was an 18-mile challenge starting from Bellfield Park in Banchory. Walkers took in stunning scenery along the way, following the Deeside Way along the river as they made their way into the city. The route ended at Aberdeen's Duthie Park, where they were welcomed with cheers, music and a well-earned party. offered a shorter four-mile option, perfect for families and those looking for a gentler pace. Starting at Cults Academy, walkers trekked towards the west end park to join the fundraising celebrations. All funds raised went to their chosen charities. .
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Record numbers turn out for Aberdeen's Kiltwalk
A record breaking 6,000 people strode out on two routes to Duthie Park in the city, raising more than £1.2 million in donations for 500 charities. The streets of Aberdeen turned tartan today as thousands took part in this year's Kiltwalk. A record breaking 6,000 people strode out on two routes to Duthie Park in the city, raising more than £1.2 million in donations for 500 charities. The majority set off from Bellfield Park in Banchory at 9am on Super Sunday for the 18-mile Mighty Stride while 1,300 Wee Wanderers set off from Cults Academy to make the four-mile trek to the beauty spot, winding their way alongside the River Dee. Since it was set up by Sir Tom Hunter 10 years ago, Kiltwalk has raised £54 million. Kiltwalk CEO Paul Cooney, said: 'It's incredible that 517 charities here in the North East of Scotland will benefit from today's efforts. Charities of all sizes; the biggest with 325 supporters to countless smaller charities - each with one or two walkers. Every penny, every pound raised plus Gift Aid goes to the causes chosen by the walkers. 'Last year's Aberdeen Kiltwalk raised £1.1 million and we are set to raise even more this year. And Kiltwalk, now in its tenth year since it was rescued by The Hunter Foundation, founded by Sir Tom Hunter, has raised £54.7 million for 4,000 Scottish charities since 2016. 'Thank you for your Kiltwalk kindness.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. All Aberdeen Kiltwalkers who registered and fundraised are in with a chance of winning a car worth £30,000 thanks to headline sponsor Arnold Clark. Russell Borrie, Chief Executive Officer of Arnold Clark, said: 'The Kiltwalk continues to make a huge difference to so many communities across Scotland, bringing people together to raise vital funds for charities close to their hearts.' The Kiltwalk also provided four lucky local charities with an additional £5,000 as part of 'the happiest minute at the Kiltwalk'. They were: SensationALL, which offers specially designed play activities, social groups and practical support for people with neurodivergent or complex conditions across northeast Scotland; Charlie House, which helps improve the quality of life for babies, children and young people in the North-east of Scotland with life-limiting conditions; Friends of ANCHOR, established to support patients and staff at Aberdeen's cancer and haematology centre and Kayleigh's Wee Stars, which provides vital financial support to families where a child has a terminal illness, helping them make precious memories during the most difficult times. This year, Kiltwalk is also supporting Sir Chris Hoy's Tour de Four charity cycling event, established by the six-time Olympic gold medallist following his diagnosis of Stage 4 prostate cancer. This means anyone who chooses to walk for Kiltwalk itself in 2025 will see everything they raise, plus eligible Gift Aid, go to five cancer charities nominated by Sir Chris Hoy. The charities are Breast Cancer Now, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Maggie's and Prostate Cancer UK. Next up is St Andrews to Dundee on Sunday, August 17, and Edinburgh on Sunday, September 14.
Press and Journal
5 days ago
- Health
- Press and Journal
'We miss him every day': Torphins family raising awareness of bowel cancer in memory of dad and husband
An Aberdeenshire family is stepping out in memory of their dad and husband who lost his life to bowel cancer. David Laidlaw, from Torphins, was 45-years-old when he died in November last year. 'The girls and I miss him every day,' his wife, Jacqui Laidlaw, said. 'We lost our much-loved husband and amazing dad to bowel cancer. He was only 45, very fit and full of life. 'We wanted to do something positive in memory of David. 'And boost awareness and fund research into new ways to cure this disease.' On Sunday, Jacqui, 45, and her and David's oldest daughter, 14-year-old Jessica, will walk 18 miles in his memory. They will be joined by more than 10 friends for the Mighty Stride at this year's Aberdeen Kiltwalk to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK. The team of kilt-walkers have named themselves David's Dumb-Belles as a nod the dad-of-two's passion for fitness and strength training. 'The Torphins ladies have been out doing lots of training walks with the lighter evenings now, but it's been harder to get the wider group together all at once,' Jacqui said. 'I've received so many kind messages of support from staff and patients at my work which has been so lovely. 'We are determined to raise as much awareness as we can about bowel cancer and hope that all the money we raise will help people affected by this disease.' Ahead of the big day, the team has raised more than £6,000 – six times their original target. All of the money will go to Bowel Cancer UK which supports families impacted by bowel cancer, as well as funding research into the disease. Jacqui, who is also mum to Sophie, hopes they can spread awareness of the charity and the signs of bowel cancer while they walk from Banchory to Duthie Park. They will be surrounded by thousands of north-east walkers supporting charities close to their hearts – and in memory of their own loved ones. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK with about 44,000 people diagnosed every year. The symptoms can include: Emma McGeever, from Bowel Cancer UK, said: 'Every 15 minutes someone gets a bowel cancer diagnosis. 'The money raised by David's Dumb-Belles will help us continue to raise awareness of the disease and its symptoms. 'As well as provide expert information and support to patients and their families, fund vital research, and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care. 'We hope that Jacqui and her team know the difference that their support will make, and we wish them all the best for the Kiltwalk this Sunday.'
Press and Journal
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Grant to walk 18 miles as Hulk Hogan in memory of his beloved Ellon friend
Donning a long blond wig, a red bandana and a tight bright orange and red lycra suit to head off on the 18 mile Aberdeen Kiltwalk – you'd have to love someone very much to do that in their name. For Grant Meldrum though, it's nothing but a pleasure to do this for his much-loved late friend and colleague, Martin Leask. Martin, from Ellon, died of bowel cancer last year. He was only 41, a devoted husband of Isla and dad of Eden, now aged eight. Grant and his colleagues at Johnston Carmichael Wealth in Aberdeen wanted to do something in Martin's memory. As the company has been a sponsor of Kiltwalk for almost 10 years, it was the first thing that came to mind. Now 19 of Martin's colleagues have volunteered to take part in Kiltwalks and raise money for Martin's favourite charity, A Bear Named Buttony. The charity supports people who have a stoma bag, something of great personal importance to Martin during his cancer battle. As Martin was a huge wrestling fan, it seemed an obvious step to Grant to carry out the charity walk dressed as Hulk Hogan. Grant will participate in three Kiltwalks as Mr Hogan this year. He'll be joined in Aberdeen for the 18-mile Mighty Stride on June 1 by Eden, Martin's daughter, also dressed as the wrestling legend in tribute to her dad. 'He had a brilliant sense of humour – one of those guys you can't help but laugh when you're around him. He never had a bad word to say about anyone,' Grant said. 'Martin was loved by everybody at the company, and we wanted to do something for a charity that was important to him. 'Martin loved wrestling – it was his thing. 'I thought as a joke I'd dress up as a wrestler as it would have given him a smile and I'm going to dress as Hulk Hogan for the Aberdeen one. 'We've been speaking to Martin's family, and his daughter Eden is also hoping to dress as Hulk Hogan, so it will be a really special moment that we can both do this for Martin on the day.' Martin, who spent nearly a decade at Johnston Carmichael Wealth, rose to the role of technical specialist in the company's Aberdeen office. His close friendship with Grant saw the pair travel to Germany last summer to cheer on Scotland in Euro 2024. He was diagnosed with bowel cancer that August and sadly died two months later. He was a big supporter of A Bear Named Buttony for the help they provided him to adjust to life with a stoma after his diagnosis, so Grant and colleagues agreed that was the best cause to raise awareness for with their charity challenges. Grant said: 'Martin chose to support Bear Named Buttony as it was a local charity and he couldn't imagine how kids could cope with a stoma. 'This will very much be a team effort. 'We're just hoping to raise as much money as possible in honour of Martin, because of the kind of guy he was.' Grant has already completed the first of three walks – dressed as the Ultimate Warrior – in Glasgow in April, with colleagues Eva Crichton, Kate Thompson, Ryan Davidson and Clara Keen. In Aberdeen, 18 colleagues will walk in support of Bear Named Buttony. The dedicated team has already raised £3,300 taking part across the various challenges, and the final amount will be given to charity following the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on 14 September. Craig Hendry, managing director at Johnston Carmichael Wealth paid his own tribute to Martin. He said: 'Martin was a brilliant guy – extremely popular, very sociable and well liked across our team. 'I'm hugely proud of how we have rallied behind this cause and it's been great to see so many members sign up to take part in the Kiltwalk for a charity that meant so much to Martin. 'Grant will probably raise a few smiles with his outfits across the challenges.' You can donate to the fundraiser here.
Press and Journal
25-05-2025
- Health
- Press and Journal
Forglen mum takes on Aberdeen Kiltwalk in memory of 'amazing' daughter Keira, 12
On Sunday, June 1, Carol-Ann Bowes will lace up her boots for the Aberdeen Kiltwalk – an 18-mile charity hike from Banchory to Duthie Park. She'll be joined by around 30 family members, friends, colleagues, and even a Highland dance teacher – all of them walking in memory of one girl: Carol-Ann's daughter, Keira. Keira died on June 28 2023, shortly after her 12th birthday, due to complications related to her bone marrow cancer. This year's Kiltwalk falls just days before the anniversary of her death. 'We're doing it for her,' says Carol-Ann. 'To support the charity that gave us hope – and to honour what her brother did.' Keira's younger brother, Cameron, was just 14 when he donated his stem cells in a bid to save her life. 'He didn't even hesitate,' Carol-Ann says. 'He just wanted her to get better.' Now 16, Cameron will walk the Mighty Stride alongside his mum and dozens of others. Among the group will be work colleagues, friends of Keira's and their mums, neighbours, and others from Forglen and Aberchirder, where Keira grew up and Carol-Ann and Keira's dad Graeme still live. Some of them will don kilts. All of them will wear specially printed t-shirts featuring Keira's name on the front and stem cell charity Anthony Nolan's logo on the back. 'The community have been amazing,' she says, adding that their goal is to raise as much money as possible. 'The fundraising so far has been fantastic.' On Sunday, 'Keira's Kilties', as Carol-Ann calls the group, will be just one small part of an amazing day. About 5,000 walkers are expected to take part in this year's Aberdeen Kiltwalk, raising money for more than 400 Scottish charities. Some, like Carol-Ann, will take on the full 18 miles Bellfield Park in Banchory to Duthie Park in Aberdeen, while others will join the shorter, four-mile Wee Wander, beginning at Cults Academy and following the River Dee to Duthie Park. Last year's event raised more than £1 million – a record-breaking total that helped causes ranging from baby banks to cancer wards. Thanks to Gift Aid and Kiltwalk's model, charities typically receive up to 125% of the funds raised in their name. But the numbers only tell part of the story. Last year, a huge cross-section of the north-east public walked for charities close to their hearts, either because they helped a loved one or themselves directly. And this year, the Kiltwalk will again be fuelled by a desire to remember a loved one, or to thank and help fund those who work tirelessly for people in need. For Carol-Ann, that sense of purpose couldn't be clearer. Keira was diagnosed with myelodysplasia syndrome – a rare form of bone marrow cancer – just before her 12th birthday. Her symptoms started with dizziness and fatigue, but Carol-Ann knew something wasn't right. 'I just had this gut feeling,' she says. 'I kept pushing, I knew there was something more going on.' Blood tests confirmed the seriousness and from there, the family's world changed overnight. One of the treatments for bone marrow cancer is a stem cell transplant, and Cameron, just a teenager, was found to be a match for his sister. 'I didn't know much about stem cell donation before,' Carol-Ann says. 'But Cameron just said yes with no hesitation. He was so brave.' The transplant went ahead. Keira fought hard, and for a while, there was hope. But though the transplant was successful, her condition worsened, and she passed away in intensive care in Glasgow. What followed, Carol-Ann says, was unimaginable. 'When a child dies, a part of you dies too,' she says. 'It doesn't heal. You just find a way to keep going – for your other children, for your family.' One of her ways of coping has been fundraising – not just for Anthony Nolan, but for the many smaller charities who offered help when the family needed it most. 'I'd never realised how much these charities do behind the scenes,' she says. 'So I wanted to give back – to say thank you.' In recent months, she's organised coffee mornings, head shaves, and local events to raise thousands of pounds. The money has gone directly to wards, families and services in Aberdeen and Glasgow. This year's Kiltwalk is the next step in that mission – and also a tribute to Cameron. 'We're doing this one for him as well,' she says. 'He's young, but what he did was amazing. Donating stem cells saved Keira's life for a time. It gave us a chance. I just want people to understand how easy it is to sign up – it's not scary, and it could save someone's life.' She hopes the team's T-shirts will spark conversations on the route – and encourage more people to join the Anthony Nolan register or donate blood. 'It's no big deal,' she says. 'It's just like giving your blood – and it could save someone's life.' As the big day approaches, Carol-Ann is keeping busy – as she always does. She works full-time for local business Norvite, cares for animals and looks after her family. 'It's how I get through the day,' she says. 'Different people cope in different ways, I just keep myself busy.' June 1 won't be easy for Carol-Ann, though she is looking forward to the walk. 'There'll be a lot of laughter because some of the people walking are real characters.' But thoughts of Keira won't be far away. Indeed, they never are. 'Keira's always on our minds,' she says. 'She was so kind, so considerate – and always smiling. She really was amazing.' To donate to Carol-Ann's fundraiser for Anthony Nolan UK, click here.
