Walkers step out for war zone victims
Members of a charity which supports West Lothian’s senior citizens have raised almost £4000 through a fundraiser in support of the people of Ukraine.
The disturbing images coming out of the war in Ukraine galvanised members of the West Lothian 50+ Network to take action.
Following an earlier successful appeal for goods to send on a lorry going directly to Ukraine at the beginning of March, the 550-strong group based in Bathgate undertook a fundraising Walk for Ukraine on Monday, March 14th.
Almost 100 members of the network, which provides activities and companionship for people aged over 50, registered to undertake the eight-mile route from Bathgate to Livingston.
Many belonged to one of the network’s seven walking groups, but the walk was open to all, and some walked with members of their family.
The group of walkers assembled in George Street in Bathgate where they were able to collect bottles of water and tangerines donated by Tesco, as well as chocolate and cereal bars donated by Morrisons to help them on the way.
The route took the walkers though the town and onto the Bog Burn, from where they were able to take off-road paths via the Pyramids and Seafield Moss before joining the Lochshot and Nell Burn paths through Livingston up to Carmondean.
A support car carrying refreshments met the walkers at four designated points along the route, ensuring a safe return for all the walkers.
An online fundraiser was set up which saw donations reaching £1,100 but much more was handed in to the network’s premises on Bathgate’s precinct, resulting in a final total of £3,934.50 being raised.
All monies raised will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee which brings together charities such as Cafod, Christian Aid, Save the Children, Oxfam, Age International, Tearfund and many others.
The UK Government has said it will match pound for pound up to £20 million donated by the public to the appeal.
Vanda Collins, who is a member of the 50+ Network’s committee, had the initial idea for the walk following the earlier urgent appeal for items from the Edinburgh Ukraine Community who were looking to fill a truck to transport items directly to where they were needed.
Vanda said:“We have been overwhelmed by the response of our members, and of the public at large, to both of our appeals.
“At the beginning of March, in a matter of days, we took in a staggering amount of goods, from sleeping bags to paracetamol.
“Shortly afterwards, our walk group leaders helped to plan and co-ordinate a walk that our members were also quick to support. Thanks to everyone who donated their time, goods and money to both of these initiatives.”