‘The best Walk to Scotland ever’ seems to have been the consensus view of over 170 intrepid travellers on our most popular, regular fundraising event, which took place this year on Sunday, 16th November!
The weather was kind and the party atmosphere was evident right from the start of our day. The Grinch was there to help with check-in…well, help and create mayhem at the same time…and, with Stena’s usual efficient help, we got under way, right on time.
‘Our numbers this year were boosted by 3 groups, who deserve a special mention. Mark and Sharon Ogle, from Belfast, who sadly lost their daughter to cancer in 2022, joined us for the third year in succession, bringing with them an enthusiastic group of over 30 family and friends, under the banner ‘Powered by Poppy’. Sharon described the day in a very emotional Facebook post as ‘one of our favourite charity events and one we know Poppy would love!’ The group has, so far this year, raised over £5200.
‘Charlotte Quinn, from Portadown, was our PR face of the ‘Walk’ this year. She travelled with us to Lapland in 2102, when she was 7 years of age, when suffering from Viral Encephalitis, a life threatening inflammation of the brain. One of the effects of this illness is that she has absolutely no recollection of that trip, save for her mum’s photographs and memories. The illness is still with her and will continue creating issues with her memory, but, this year, she organised quizzes and various other fundraising events, in her words ‘to enable her to give back’…not to mention bringing an enthusiastic group of 23 walkers and a donation of over £5000…what a very special young lady!
Eileen Fitzsimmoms and her wonderful colleagues at Parcelforce have become some of our most regular and loyal supporters over the last 5 years. It doesn’t matter if it’s an abseil, or a Zipline or a sponsored walk, they are with us…providing numerous ballot prizes and often bringing along Disney and cartoon characters, which add so much to any occasion.
A shout out, too, to Susie Wilson, Operations Director of Finlay Wealth Management, our most recent Corporate Partner. She and her colleagues joined us for the first…and hopefully not thelast…time and all on the eve of a ‘big birthday’! Their Corporate Partner donation, together with their ‘Walk’sponsorship from clients, family and friends means that Finlay Wealth Management has, in the first few weeks of our partnership, donated a whopping. £9,400!
Our walkers travelled the well trodden allocated route around the ship, all the way from Belfast to Cairnryan and, after a quick lunch during turnaround, it was party time. The fantastic magician, Trevor Price, kicked things off and kept the children…and adults…mesmerised with his close up magic and repartee.
We also held a ballot and small auction, for which every single prize was donated, which make a huge difference to our
profit on the day…and then there is only one way to finish our cabaret show…a set from the amazing Fiddler Adam, who was absolutely at the top of his game. The dance floor was full and the ship was rocking and as everyone left the ship, it seemed that everyone was saying ‘see you next year’!
Sponsorship money is still coming in, but initial calculations suggest that the event will have brought in over £21,000!
Thanks, of course, to all our walkers and sponsors and to our helpers…what a day and what a result!