Latest news with #GlasgowKiltwalk
Daily Record
24 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Linwood fundraiser 'stunned' after landing £30,000 car cash gift
Glasgow Kiltwalk sponsors Arnold Clark handed the money to Fiona for her heroic efforts in helping the Beatson Cancer Charity. A big-hearted Linwood woman was left 'stunned' when she was handed £30,000 to be put towards a new car from Arnold Clark. The reward was for her heartfelt fundraising efforts in this year's Glasgow Kiltwalk. Fiona Slicer – who is originally from the Isle of Skye but now lives in Renfrewshire – completed the 14-mile Big Stroll to raise money for the Beatson Cancer Charity where her mum, Catriona, is currently undergoing treatment for mantle cell lymphoma. She was automatically entered into the draw for the life-changing car credit prize – donated by Kiltwalk headline sponsor Arnold Clark – after registering and fundraising for the Glasgow event alongside nearly 19,000 other participants. Fiona said: 'I honestly couldn't believe it. I walked the kiltwalk for my mum and the Beatson who have been amazing. I was lucky to do the walk with my cousin Annette who considers my mum her mum too and I couldn't pick a better walking partner.' 'This year's been so tough for our family and we never expected anything like this. It's such a generous prize and I'm just so grateful.' The Beatson Cancer Charity was also awarded a car credit of £30,000 as the recipient of Fiona's fundraising. The emotional surprise was pulled off after Fiona was invited to her aunt's house in Erskine under the pretence of helping her dad, Andy, look after her mum following chemotherapy at the Beatson. Fiona's parents, who live in Oban, Argyll & Bute, have been staying in Erskine while Catriona undergoes treatment. Unknown to Fiona, the Kiltwalk and Arnold Clark team had secretly arrived at the house with the specially-branded Kiltwalk car – complete with feather flags and a giant red bow – to break the news that she had been chosen as this year's winner. Her husband Gordon, cousin, nieces and other family members were also in on the act and gathered to witness the emotional moment Fiona was told the incredible news. Kiltwalk CEO Paul Cooney added: 'Fiona is a true Kiltwalk Hero. She embodies the Kiltwalk kindness that motivates our fantastic community, and we were thrilled to surprise her with this incredible prize thanks to Arnold Clark.' Russell Borrie, chief executive officer of Arnold Clark, also said: 'We're absolutely thrilled to hand over £30,000 of credit towards a new car to this year's Glasgow Kiltwalk Car Reward winner, Fiona. 'This is a very well-deserved prize and we are sure Fiona's entire family are extremely proud of her fundraising efforts for the Beatson Cancer Charity, supporting all the wonderful work they do in helping those affected by cancer. 'Congratulations once again and we hope you enjoy your new car!'
Scotsman
6 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Commsworld announces new ‘chosen charity' partnership with CHAS
Commsworld has formed a new 'chosen charity' partnership with CHAS (Children's Hospices Across Scotland). Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The year-long partnership was launched at Commsworld's annual company day at its headquarters in Edinburgh, and attended by CHAS Senior Fundraiser Sarah Dannfald and Community Fundraiser Zhenya Dove. CHAS was formed in 1992 and provides Scotland's only hospice services for children and young people with life-shortening conditions. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It runs two dedicated children's hospices in Scotland, Robin House in Balloch, and Rachel House in Kinross. These welcoming spaces offer families the opportunity for respite breaks, with a range of specialist facilities including a hydro pool, art room and fully accessible gardens, providing a peaceful environment for children and their families. Commsworld will matchfund all money raised by staff over the course of the year Beyond the hospices, CHAS provides a comprehensive range of care through its CHAS at Home service, supporting families in their own homes, and in hospitals across the country with dedicated Diana Children's Nurses and outreach teams. CHAS offers emotional and bereavement support, end-of-life care, and dedicated sibling and family support. All services are delivered with care and compassion, tailored to meet the individual needs of each child and family. Commsworld staff kicked off their fundraising activities by taking part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk last month, while a team of four – Carolann Miller from Edinburgh, Kelly Seaman from Cumbernauld, Nicki Shields from Airdrie, and Sam Reymbaut, from Perth – completed a walk of the 96-mile long West Highland Way over the May bank holiday. A group is also planning to walk the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in September. Commsworld Marketing Manager Martina Corr said: 'We are really proud to be supporting CHAS. It is an incredible charity which dedicates itself to providing amazing care and support for children and their families. We hope that through our partnership we can raise as much money as we can – which in line with our chosen charity policy will be matched pound for pound by Commsworld – so they can continue to fund their incredible work.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Zhenya Dove said: 'We are so grateful to Commsworld for choosing CHAS as their charity partner. Every child we care for is facing an unimaginable journey, and thanks to partnerships like this, we can walk alongside them and their families with love, compassion and expert care. This support helps us create moments of joy which will be treasured forever and ensure that no family in Scotland has to face the death of their child alone.'
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Glasgow Airport team take on Kiltwalk to raise vital MND Scotland funds
The big-hearted team from the Paisley transport hub took on the 14-mile 'Big Stroll' last month. Staff at Glasgow Airport have generated more than £2,100 for MND Scotland after participating in the Glasgow Kiltwalk – with more fundraisers on the way. Led by airport chaplain Iain Hudson, the big-hearted squad at the Paisley transport hub took on the 14-mile 'Big Stroll' last month. They looked to raise much-needed funds for motor neuron disease support and research with a running total so far of £2,133. Iain, originally from Stockton-on-Tees in the north-east of England, trained as a Salvation Army officer and led four Salvation Army church and community programmes in Perth, Edinburgh, Reading, Berkshire and Bromley, south-east London, before taking the appointment as Glasgow Airport chaplain in July 2024. And the 57-year-old is not only playing a crucial role in assisting people at the airport but has also helped establish a strong partnership with MND Scotland – with the organisation being selected as its charity of the year. In his time since joining the team, Iain has helped arrange numerous events and activities to support MND Scotland's cause, with more planned in the future as he looks to do a sponsored virtual bike ride in the airport terminal. Iain said: 'As chaplain, I'm actively involved in promoting fundraising opportunities and have organised three bucket collection days with one on in April and others in June and September. 'There is a sponsored virtual bike ride in the terminal building with staff 'doing a shift' and, of course, the Glasgow Kiltwalk.' Starting at Queens Quay Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, and finishing at Balloch on the south shore of Loch Lomond, the team of Iain, Kenny, Linda, Helena, Christine, Marie, Louise, Vicki, Yasmin and Marianne faced up to the challenge to support MND Scotland which is the only charity in the country dedicated to directly supporting people with the condition, their families and friends. Since its creation over 40 years ago, MND Scotland has provided practical, financial and emotional support to anyone affected by MND whilst also funding essential research into finding effective treatments and a cure. Lynne Wiseman, fundraising lead for MND Scotland, added: 'We are incredibly honoured to have been chosen by Glasgow Airport as their charity of the year. 'MND Scotland is funded entirely by donations and grants so this partnership will help raise much-needed funds, helping contribute to our vision of a world without motor neuron disease. 'We are excited to work together with Glasgow Airport throughout the year. We want to thank the team for taking on the Glasgow Kiltwalk and supporting our cause.'
Glasgow Times
12-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Sister raised funds for cancer research in brother's memory
Sharyn Cusack took part in this year's Glasgow Kiltwalk to raise funds for research into glioblastoma, the disease that claimed her brother Graham McKie's life when he was just 32. Sharyn, from Glasgow, said: "Graham was the best big brother anyone could ask for. "He was generous, caring and would have done anything for me and my sister, Jaclyn, giving us lifts before we could drive, helping with DIY when I got my first flat and always looking out for us. "Even during his illness, he stayed strong. "He never let it change his spirit." Read more: Glasgow man steps up to walk 23 miles in a kilt for charity Graham began experiencing severe headaches on Boxing Day 2005. In January 2006, he was diagnosed with grade four glioblastoma. Doctors gave him a prognosis of 12 to 18 months, leading the family to bring forward significant life events such as Sharyn's wedding. Sharyn, 49, said: "It was such a special day and meant everything to have Graham there. "Our initial plan was to be married in November, but after the doctors said we should move things forward due to Graham's condition, we started to make plans sooner so he could be with us. "Arranging the wedding in a short space of time gave us something positive to focus on during that difficult time. "Although Graham didn't feel comfortable in himself because of the side effects of his treatment, he still insisted on wearing a kilt to match the rest of the wedding party. "That was just who he was, a true gentleman.' Sharyn on her wedding day with brother Graham (second left), and family (Image: Supplied) Graham died only seven months after his diagnosis, on August 11, 2006, surrounded by his family. Sharyn said: "There's that old saying that time is a healer, but I'm not sure it's true. "You learn to live with the grief, but the feeling of loss never goes away. "On birthdays, Christmas, family occasions, there's always someone missing. "Graham's absence is still deeply felt.' In honour of Graham's memory, his family have gone on to raise more than £50,000 for brain tumour research. Sharyn's recent participation in the iconic Glasgow Kiltwalk, with friends Pamela Wilson and Lynda Scott, known as Team Braveheart, raised more than £2,500 in support of the new Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence. Sharyn with friends, Pamela and Lynda at the Glasgow Kiltwalk 2025 (Image: Supplied) This joint venture by Brain Tumour Research and the Beatson Cancer Charity, focuses on research into glioblastoma. Read more: St Enoch Centre staff raise funds for Street Soccer Scotland Sharyn said: "There is still so little awareness about brain tumours, even though they are one of the biggest cancer killers of young people. "Before Graham's diagnosis, I hadn't even heard of glioblastoma. "Fundraising gives us a sense of purpose, and the new Centre of Excellence opening in Scotland gives us hope that other families won't have to go through what we did.' Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: "Sharyn's strength and commitment in memory of her brother is incredibly moving. "Families like hers are the driving force behind our progress, and we're so grateful for their support."
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Scots mum 'blindsided' by husband's suicide speaks out in a bid to help others
Lisa Marshall was at home with her three children when she was told her husband had taken his own life. The wife of a Scots dentist who took his own life on the way home from work has spoken out about the tragedy in a bid to help others facing the same situation. Lisa Marshall said she was 'blindsided' when she found out husband Alan had committed suicide at a train station on March 7, 2023. She was at home in Lenzie with the couple's three children now aged eight, six and three, when she was given the worst news possible. She said: 'I felt blindsided, I had no idea he was struggling. Alan had so many friends, he was always joking and making people laugh. He was my best friend, he just left for work and never came home. 'He was adored. He had absolutely everything to live for.' The pair met in 2011 and married in 2016. Alan, 37, was a popular friend who 'always made people laugh'. Lisa said loyal Rangers fan Alan is 'missed by everyone who knew him' and would have been celebrating his 40th birthday this June, with a savings pot started two years ago with friends to celebrate. A coach for Lenzie Football Club, both of his boys played in the team and shared their dad's love of the game. However, they both struggled to face playing the sport after the sudden loss of their dad and have only recently rejoined, finding love for the hobby again. Lisa, also a dentist, has not been able to return to work following Alan's death and only now has been able to open up. Speaking to Glasgow Live, she shared that after losing Alan, saying the word 'suicide' or hearing his name would be triggering. But now, with the help of local support groups and the Canmore Trust, she is navigating motherhood and grief in an encouraging way. In April this year, she raised an incredible £10,310 by taking part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk. Every penny will be donated to the Canmore Trust, a Scots charity creating safe spaces for lives impacted by suicide. She has also praised support groups such as A Place Called Here and Men With Issues. Lisa now attends A Place Called Here - a suicide bereavement group in Glasgow - mostly every week, meeting other people also navigating their way through grief. She admitted: 'It's probably the highlight of my week. Along with the support group and Canmore Trust I have been able to really open up about Alan's death. Speaking to others who have experienced the same devastating loss has been a huge comfort to me'. 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. And when the time is right, Lisa hopes to become an ambassador for the Canmore Trust and directly help others affected by suicide. On her JustGivingPage, Lisa wrote: 'Alan had three children who adored him, lots of friends, a loving family, a successful career, and a huge passion for Glasgow Rangers. He had absolutely everything to live for and is missed by so many. 'I never thought this would happen to my family but it shows that suicide can affect anyone. I never thought my husband would become another statistic. It's horrible to see your loved one as part of the total figures for suicide in Scotland because they were so much more than their death. 'The stigma surrounding suicide still exists. Suicide grief is complex, and unless you have experience of it directly, you just can't imagine it. You feel every emotion possible, sometimes in the one day. For the last two years I have felt like I have mainly been in autopilot mode. There is no time to stop whilst raising three children and life is moving so quickly.' There is still time to donate to Lisa's fundraiser, if you wish to do so click here. More on the Canmore Trust can be found here, and for A Place Called Here, follow this link.
