Latest news with #Kiltwalks
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.
Scotsman
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Scotland steps up: How the Kiltwalk movement is inspiring thousands this summer with spirit and tartan
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, 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... Across Scotland, the Kiltwalk phenomenon has become more than just a charity event - it's a national movement of compassion, community and giving. Every year, thousands of people don tartan, lace up their walking boots and take to the streets, trails, and scenic paths in a shared mission to support those in need. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Staff from homeless charity, Cyrenians, encouraged participants along the Edinburgh Kiltwalk route | Edinburgh Kiltwalk Since its inception, the Kiltwalk has raised £53 million for more than 4,000 Scottish charities, thanks to the generosity of walkers and donors, and through the backing of The Hunter Foundation. What started as a single event has grown into a series of fundraising walks across Scotland, drawing people from all walks of life, united by helping others. A sea of tartan swept through the streets of Glasgow last weekend and along the scenic paths between Clydebank and Balloch, as 19,000 walkers of all ages and background stepped forward in a united show of compassion and community. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The event, an annual fixture in Scotland's charitable calendar, was more than just a walk, but a testament to the enduring power of giving. Among those joining the thousands of walkers was comedian and broadcaster Paddy McGuinness, who added his voice and steps to the cause on Saturday. And the journey isn't over. With more Kiltwalk events planned in Aberdeen on Sunday, June 1, from St Andrews to Dundee on Sunday, August 17, and Edinburgh on Sunday, September 14, thousands more are expected to take part, bringing hope - and vital funds - to charities across the nation. Each event offers routes for all abilities and brings communities together to make an impact. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This year, the fundraising carries a particularly poignant weight. All proceeds from the 2025 Kiltwalks, along with any eligible Gift Aid, will benefit five cancer charities chosen by six-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy, who was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in 2023. Sir Chris Hoy admits his cancer diagnosis has put the pressure of his cycling career into perspective. Picture: Aaron Chown/PA Wire. The five cancer charities are Breast Cancer Now, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Maggie's and Prostate Cancer UK. Sir Chris was last year told the disease had spread to his bones and was terminal, giving him anywhere between two and four years to live. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In a video message recorded for Kiltwalkers and posted in February, Sir Chris said: 'The Kiltwalk is an unforgettable experience that takes place in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh, so sign up now, and choose kiltwalk. Thank you, and good luck.' The cyclist has said about his cancer diagnosis: 'When you are young, fit and healthy, you assume you are immune to any of that. You think that is for further down the line. When you are 50, that is when you starting thinking about prostate cancer and checking. 'Even with family history, I had my grandpa and my dad, but actually I should have been thinking about it sooner.' Philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter, whose foundation plays a key role in the Kiltwalk's success, described the associated events as 'magic', saying: 'In every community across Scotland, there are people who need a wee hand up, and there are good folks like you who get up in the morning and help them.'
