An Edinburgh-based charity that supports children in hospital is encouraging teams of families to don their fundraising boots and take part in a seven mile long walk around the city.
The sponsored walk, organised by the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, will take place on Sunday 4th September and the charity is asking people of all ages and abilities to come along and do their bit to raise funds.
Entitled ‘Great Strides’, the family friendly event will kick off from the Edinburgh Meadows, opposite the present Sick Kids hospital, and head along the innocent railway to Craigmillar Castle, adjacent to the site of Edinburgh’s new children’s hospital, and back. On crossing the finish line, participants can wind down with an afternoon of entertainment in the Meadows, including face-painting, a mini fairground, a bouncy castle and much more.
The Sick Kids Friends Foundation supports and complements the work of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC) as well as other children’s healthcare settings across the southeast of Scotland and beyond.
Tracey Randall, who is taking part in ‘Great Strides’ and whose children have previously used the hospital’s services, said: “I am really looking forward to taking part in the walk with my husband and four children as it is fantastic opportunity to raise money for a very worthwhile cause.
“My son is recovering from a spinal injury, but we are hoping to get approval from the doctor as soon as possible to say that he can come along and join in, which would be amazing.
“I’ve had a great time in previous years taking part in the SKFF’s annual summer and Christmas fairs, so I’m really looking forward to this event and would encourage anyone who is interested to sign up for a day of guaranteed family fun.”
All funds raised from the sponsored walk will go towards supporting the RHSC’s move to a new, purpose-built home at Little France in 2017, for which the SKFF has committed to contribute £2.9million in enhancements, patient/family services and therapies.
Pippa Johnston, Director of Marketing and Fundraising at the SKFF, said: “This is a really exciting time for Edinburgh with the much loved ‘Sick Kids’ hospital moving to a new home.
“Many people don’t realise that the fun distractions, games and décor that can help a child feel much less frightened when they come into the hospital are funded by us, which will continue to be the case in the new location.
“We exist to ensure children and young people’s lives are less interrupted by illness and that they have a more positive hospital experience. We provide enhanced facilities and cutting edge equipment and it is the generosity of those who get involved in events like this one which allows us to continue doing this.”
Adult entry for ‘Great Strides’ is £15 per person, with a minimum sponsorship of £50. Children’s entry is £5 with a minimum sponsorship of £25. All participants will receive a goody bag donated by Spar, a t-shirt and a fundraising pack.
To enter, visit the SKFF website at: www.edinburghsickkids.org
