John Hartson backs Kiltwalk 2017 as it encompasses all charities
It's one of the most patriotic and popular fundraising events in Scotland - and now the Kiltwalk is marching on.
The Kiltwalk will be back in 2017 after raising £840,000 so far for Scotland’s children’s charities – and next year even more people will be able to benefit.
At an event in Glasgow today, philanthropist and backer of the Kiltwalk Sir Tom Hunter issued a call to action to Scotland’s heroes as he officially launched the 2017 Kiltwalk.
He said: “In 2016 the true heroes of the day were the Kiltwalkers who raised an astonishing £840,000 with more to come for 282 of Scotland’s children’s charities. Now my ask is obvious – be a hero again and sign up for next year and help us make Kiltwalk the biggest mass participation fundraising event in Scotland!
It was also announced that due to significant demand from non-children’s charities the Kiltwalk would open up to all Scottish charities.
“The great news is next year all of Scotland’s charities can use the Kiltwalk as a vehicle for their fundraising. It’s simple; Kiltwalk enables Scotland’s heroes deliver for the causes of their choice”, added Sir Tom.
The Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk will return to Glasgow on April 30, Aberdeen on June 4 and Edinburgh on September 17, with a new event coming to Dundee on August 20.
Paul Cooney, CEO of the Kiltwalk added: “Children are at the heart of why we walk and raise much needed funding but a number of good causes asked us if they could take part in Kiltwalk, so why would we turn them away?”
Former Rangers and Scotland star, Derek Johnstone was at the launch in George Square: “As a proud Dundonian, I am very excited that Kiltwalk is coming to Dundee next year. Many people from Tayside made the trip to events across Scotland this year so it feels right to bring the Kiltwalk back to the City of Discovery. ”
Children’s charities such as the Glasgow Children’s Hospital charity will continue to be supported. The charity has been a constant support to the family of Lucy Hunter, now two-years-old, who has battled heart problems since her birth.
Grandfather William Anderson, who will take part in his third Kiltwalk in 2017, said: “It’s an amazing experience joining with friends and strangers alike to walk for those in need. The £340,000 Kiltwalkers have raised for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity in recent years makes life so much better for treasures like our wee Lucy. She loves the special day out and will be with us for the Wee Wander in April”
Among the good causes set to benefit from the event opening to all is the John Hartson Foundation. The Celtic, Arsenal, West Ham and Wales legend started the charity after his own battle with testicular cancer, which is set to be boosted by the generous support of Kiltwalkers.
He said: “As soon as I heard that Kiltwalk was opening-up to all charities, I jumped on a flight to be here to lend my support to the cause. This will encourage even more people to walk for the charity of their choice in 2017 and I aim to do at least one of the walks to raise awareness for “Grab Life by the Balls”.
Kiltwalk has raised more than £3 million for Scottish charitable causes since 2011. The dates for The Royal Bank of Scotland Kiltwalk 2017, are: Glasgow (April 30), Aberdeen (June 4), Dundee (August 20) and Edinburgh (September 17).
The Kiltwalk 2017 launch was hosted by Ernst & Young who continue as Kiltwalk partners alongside Trespass Clothing, Highland Spring, Johnston Carmichael and the Big Partnership.