Sir Tom says thank-you as Kiltwalkers raise £4m to break record
SIR Tom Hunter has issued a heartfelt thanks to Kiltwalk heroes who helped to make the Glasgow event a massive success and raise a record-breaking sum of more than £4 million.
Walkers raised £2.7m and The Hunter Foundation provided a generous top up of 50 per cent, amounting to £1.35m and boosting the final total to £4.05m which is now on its way to 685 Scottish charities.
Scotland’s favourite mass participation charity event has now raised more than £33m for nearly 3,000 charities across the country in the past six years.
In a video message aimed at walkers, Sir Tom described the Kiltwalk as one of The Hunter Foundation’s proudest achievements.
The video was accompanied by a letter, which was emailed to each and every one of the 10,000 individuals who took part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk on April 24.
This year’s Kiltwalk included the 23-mile Mighty Stride, which left from Glasgow Green, as well as the Big
Stroll, a 15-mile jaunt which kicked off in Clydebank.
A smaller trek also saw walkers take on a three-mile Wee Wander from Loch Lomond, with the routes converging to end in Balloch.
Writing to them, the philanthropist said: “All your fundraising plus The Hunter Foundation’s 50 per cent top-up means £4,050,000 is on its way to 685 different Scottish charities.
“And how those charities large and small need our support more than ever, especially after the last couple of years.
“I just want to say thank-you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time and making the effort to help the charity that you really care about.
“Your own charity will be in touch to thank you for your generosity but I also want to tell you personally how much I appreciate everything you achieved by wearing a bit of tartan and setting out in the sunshine to do something very special for your chosen charity.
“You’re making a difference and are part of something unique.”
Among those supporting Kiltwalkers was Nicola Sturgeon, who hailed the Kiltwalk “good fun” after joining thousands of Scots to step up for care experienced young people.
The First Minister said the “pleasure was all hers” as Who Cares? Scotland event organisers thanked her for supporting their hard work.
She spoke to care experienced young people supported by the charity, which is a national voluntary organisation, working with youngsters and care leavers across Scotland.
Famous faces who took part included broadcaster Jackie Bird and River City actor Stephen Purdon.
Among those taking part was Bearsden teenager Lewis Cramb who raised money for the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’S leading welfare charity.
The 15-year-old cadet, from 1740 (Clydebank) Squadron Air Cadets, which he joined last year, took on the Kiltwalk, alongside fellow members of his squadron. He raised more than
£400 for his chosen charity.
A team of 30 from accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael took part as the business aims to secure a record 100 walkers in 2022.
Johnston Carmichael has been a gold sponsor of Scotland’s favourite mass participation charity event for six years, as part of its commitment to supporting the communities in which its 850 staff and partners live and work. More than £6,000 was raised by the Glasgow staff, with some of the funds going towards the STV Children’s Appeal and the rest to charities chosen by those taking part.
Heart transplant recipient Joe Scott proved to be an inspiration on the day. He donned his kilt in aid of SSAFA – the armed forces charity, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association – to take part in the Wee Wander less than six months after lifechanging surgery.
The 60-year-old began taking his first few steps just weeks after surgery and trained for the walk with his dog Rio by his side. He raised almost £3,000 for his chosen charity.
Sir Tom confirmed that the next Glasgow Kiltwalk would be held on April 30, 2023.
However, there is still time to register for the next Kiltwalk taking place in Aberdeen on May 29, then St Andrews to Dundee on August 21 and Edinburgh on September 18. There will also be a Virtual Kiltwalk weekend from October 7 to 9.
To sign up for the four remaining Kiltwalk events of 2022 visit www. thekiltwalk.co.uk
I appreciate everything you achieved by wearing a bit of tartan and setting out in the sunshine