A team of runners and volunteers has raised more than £3,800 for the Gathimba Edwards Foundation (GEF) after taking part in Aberdeen’s new half marathon event.
Fourteen runners represented the Aberdeen-based charity at the Aberdeen Half Marathon on Saturday 18 July, while a further 21 GEF volunteers supported participants from the event’s water station and finish area.
GEF was selected as the official charity partner for the inaugural event, which marks a significant new chapter for the city’s running community. The half marathon is also being used as a pilot for a full marathon planned for 2027.
Funds raised from the event will support the charity’s work providing education, safe housing and essential wellbeing support for children and families in both the north-east of Scotland and Kenya.
Myles Edwards, Co-Founder of Gathimba Edwards Foundation, said: “Seeing so many people run, volunteer and give their time in support of GEF was incredibly special. The day was about much more than completing a half marathon; it was about people coming together to create opportunities for children and families who need support.
“The connection to my dad made the occasion especially meaningful. He played an important role in organising Aberdeen’s previous marathons, so to see a major long-distance running event return to the city, with GEF at the heart of it, was a very proud and emotional moment.
“We are grateful to every runner, volunteer and organiser who made the event possible. The money raised will make a great difference, helping families in the north-east access specialist equipment and therapies, while supporting education, safe housing and wellbeing for children and families in Kenya.”
Among the participants was Craig McWilliam, who has supported the charity alongside his wife for several years. Between 2020 and 2025, the couple sponsored Abigael, a young girl in Kenya, throughout her education.
With support from GEF, Abigael has now completed both high school and college and hopes to continue her studies by gaining a diploma.
Craig said: “My wife and I have proudly supported this charity for many years. Thanks to this support, alongside the incredible work of GEF, Abigael has successfully completed high school and college and has now graduated with ambitions to continue to gain a diploma.
“I took on the Aberdeen Half Marathon to raise funds so that GEF can continue transforming lives like Abigael’s.”
Teacher and soon-to-be father Jordan Higgins also joined the GEF running team, inspired by the charity’s work to promote education and wellbeing for young people in both Kenya and the north-east of Scotland.
He highlighted the charity’s role in helping children in Kenya access education, as well as providing young people in Scotland with additional support needs access to specialist equipment and tools to support their learning.
Long-standing supporter Drew Leitch was another member of the team. He first became involved with GEF in 2015, when he and his wife Helen joined the charity’s first house-building trip to Kenya and met their sponsored child, Ivy.
Alongside completing the half marathon, Drew has set himself the challenge of covering 2,026 miles through walking and running during 2026.
The Aberdeen Half Marathon was delivered by event organisation company Sport Systems, following the work of a volunteer organising group including Myles Edwards, Steve Gray and Graham Morrison of Aberdeen Sports Village.
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The event is intended to lay the groundwork for the return of a full Aberdeen Marathon in 2027 – the first to be held in the city since 1990.
For more information about the Gathimba Edwards Foundation and its work, contact [email protected].
