Fifers step out to raise nearly £11,000 for charity in virtual Kiltwalk fundraiser

The group, known as Team Stomping for Hearts and Minds, took part in the fundraiser from April 23 to 25 collecting thousands of pounds for the charity which uses the art of therapeutic clowning to bring joy and laughter to children in hospital, hospice care, and special educational need schools and to adults living with dementia in residential care across Scotland.

The team included 21 Fifers and two participants from Edinburgh and everyone who took part wore tartan and a red nose.

Every year, people join up for the Kiltwalk in groups to walk, run, cycle, or whatever they can manage, to raise money for a charity of their choice during events across Scotland. This year, people had to use their imagination to ensure the Kiltwalk could continue virtually due to coronavirus restrictions.

The Kiltwalk is underwritten by the Hunter Foundation, owned by businessman, Sir Tom Hunter.

Rebecca Simpson, CEO of Hearts and Minds, said: “We had a great Kiltwalk, some people spread it out over the weekend and some people did it all on one day. Lots of people walked round Loch Leven twice, it was a glorious day, the sun was shining and the 26.2 miles seemed to go in quickly. There were lots of people walking round Loch Leven on April 24 supporting charities, it was amazing to see.”

Fifers taking part included Susan Simpson, owner of Mind and Body Studio in Kirkcaldy. She did the walk round the town and Fife Coastal Path over the weekend with her dog. Also taking part was

the Raeburn construction and Raeburn Training Kiltwalk Team who raised an amazing £2222.

Lisa Anderson, from Kirkcaldy, was also part of team Stomping for Hearts and Minds and walked round Loch Leven twice (26.2 miles) to raise money. She said: “It was amazing to have a goal during lockdown and to raise money for such a good cause. I loved all the training and getting out for walks along the coastal path.”

And five-year-old Romy Smart from Kirkcaldy also lended her support. She wanted to walk the Kiltwalk with her mum Pamela and dad Neil but it was too long for her, so to raise money for the Hearts and Minds’ clowndoctors programme, she set up a stall selling homemade cakes and cartons of juice.

Rebecca continued: “We raised a total of £10,995 which will be topped up by the extremely generous Tom Hunter by an extra 50% and we also raised an additional £1830.25 from gift aid.

“This is the most money Heart and Minds has ever raised from a fundraising campaign, and we have been blown away by everyone's generosity and kindness, especially during a time that has been and continues to be extremely difficult for people. As the CEO of Hearts and Minds I am fully appreciative of those who walked the Kiltwalk for the charity and to each person that donated, every penny makes a huge difference.

“The funds raised will be spent on supporting our work to spread joy, smiles and laughter to children and young people in hospital, hospices and those shielding and to adults living with dementia.”

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