Smile of Arran return for second Arran walk
Supporters of the Smile of Arran charity have been in training for their Arran Walk tomorrow (Sunday) which will see their return after last year’s successful fundraiser and with numbers increasing to more than 30 participants.
The Smile of Arran Trust was set up by the Tosh family, following the death of their son Arran who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2014, and aims to raise awareness of brain tumours. Partnered with other charities, it provides support and grants to people affected by brain tumours as well as raising funds for research.
Supported by a large number of businesses and other people on the island last year, Alison Tosh, family and friends walked around Arran after receiving a rousing send off from the Arran Pipe Band at the Brodick Highland Games where they began their fundraising trek. Organisations on Arran continued to fundraise for the charity long after the event and support has continued to grow both on and off the island along with some big names backing the charity.
Charlie and Craig Reid of the Proclaimers, as well as Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne, have pledged their support and throughout the year fundraising has continued at numerous events which have already raised over £6,000 for the charity before the walk has even begun.
During the past year the family, from Hedingham, have received widespread support from various schools, individuals and groups through charity balls, auctions, football clubs, wedding venues and even a charity skydive and sponsored head-shave. The money raised from these various initiatives, many of which have become annual events themselves, goes towards ‘Arran grants’ which is financial support for families and people who are affected by brain cancer and brain tumours. So far the charity has raised more than £80,000 which has benefited a number of causes and organisations which are supported by and in memory of Arran.
The charity will also host a stall at the Brodick Highland Games today (Saturday) and the walk tomorrow. Further information on the charity and its objectives can be found at www. smileofarran.org.