The Archie Foundation will welcome a record number of fundraisers stepping out for the charity during this year’s Aberdeen Kiltwalk this weekend.
More than 5,000 walkers will take part in the challenge on Sunday (June 1), including 145 fundraising on behalf of Archie, which supports babies, children and families across the north of Scotland.
The main route begins at Bellfield Park in Banchory and covers 17.8 miles through Deeside, finishing at Duthie Park in Aberdeen.
All money raised by the Kiltwalkers during the 18-mile walk will go to their charity of choice, which last year totalled more than £7 million for 1,650 charities.
For those looking for a shorter option, the 4-mile Wee Wander starts later along the route in Cults and offers a more family-friendly alternative.
Archie Kiltwalker Nicole Clark is taking part in memory of her younger brother Ryan, who sadly passed away in 2015 at the age of 13.
Ryan was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2010, later discovering he also had a spinal tumour. He showed incredible strength throughout both illnesses, but in 2015 his health declined, and he sadly died later that year.
Nicole will be taking on the challenge this Sunday alongside her cousin and a close friend. She said: “We have decided to raise money for The Archie Foundation as this year marks the 10th anniversary of Ryan’s passing. We wanted to do something special in his memory.
“Ryan fought well during both illnesses, but in 2015 his health started to deteriorate due to an abnormality in his brain. He was a well-known, cheeky and loveable lad.”
During his treatment at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children, The Archie Foundation supported Ryan’s family by helping with travel and food costs, and by providing essentials like pyjamas, books and toiletries.
“Archie helped cover the cost of travel and food, which really took some of the pressure off,” said Nicole. “They also gave Ryan pyjamas, books and toiletries. It was the little things that made a big difference.”
This is not the first time Nicole’s family have raised money for The Archie Foundation. In 2015, members of the family organised a fundraising night and coffee morning, bringing in more than £9,000 over the two events.
All proceeds will support Archie’s work across the North, including Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital, Tayside Children’s Hospital in Dundee and the Highland Children’s Unit at Raigmore Hospital, and Archie’s Child Bereavement Service.
Kelly M. Anderson, head of fundraising at The Archie Foundation, said: “We’re thrilled to see a record number of walkers supporting Archie at this year’s Aberdeen Kiltwalk. It’s truly heartwarming to know that 145 people have chosen to lace up their walking boots in our name, each step helping us support children and families during some of their most challenging times.
“The Kiltwalk is a fantastic and inclusive way for people to give back, and we’re so grateful to everyone who’s taking part. Every mile walked and every pound raised makes a real difference to children and families who need support at a difficult time in their lives.”
To find out more about Aberdeen Kiltwalk, visit https://thekiltwalk.co.uk/events/aberdeen
To support Nicole and her family’s fundraising journey, head to their JustGiving page: Nicole Wood is fundraising for The Archie Foundation.
For more information about the practical, financial and emotional support available from The Archie Foundation, visit www.archie.org/getsupport/.
