A record-breaking Paralympian and an award-winning accordionist have joined forces to urge supporters of Scotland’s largest Veterans charity to sign up for this year’s Kiltwalk.
Scott Meenagh and Gary Innes, both ambassadors for Erskine, are fronting the campaign to get more of the charity’s supporters to sign up for the nationwide fundraising event, which starts in Glasgow on April 30th, and will also be held in Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh.
Scott, a paratrooper, learned to walk again on prosthetic legs after he stepped on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in January 2011.
He has since turned his attention to sport and fundraising, including representing Great Britain in the Invictus Games and Paralympics.
Gary is one of the founding members of award-winning Scottish super-group Mànran, which has seen him perform to worldwide acclaim.
His association with Erskine dates to 2015, when he created Scotland’s first collaborative charity folk single with a piece of music he composed called ‘Our Heroes’.
The duo were joined by Erin Ewing, an Erskine staff member, accompanied by keen toddler, three-year-old Angus Caulfield and his puppy Mac to show them how it’s done as they launched the campaign at The Erskine Home in Bishopton.
The generosity of kiltwalkers raises thousands for the charity every year and enables them to support over 1,000 veterans. A favourite in Scotland’s social calendar, the Kiltwalk events, which run from April to August, get walkers to stride, stroll or wander all in the name of charity.
Scott, fittingly clad in his kilt said: “I am delighted to support those who are participating in Kiltwalk to raise funds for Erskine. The lifelong care they provide gives Veterans in Scotland security and confidence that their service won’t be forgotten, and they will always be able to access the support they need, regardless of where life takes us after serving.”
Gary said: “I try to head out to get some fresh air and my heart rate up as often as I can; it really clears my head and when I am in that frame of mind I often find that new ideas or creative thoughts come easier to me. Living in Scotland, the beautiful surroundings are not difficult to seek inspiration from. Kiltwalk is a fantastic initiative and opportunity to support brilliant charities such as Erskine, so I hope everyone pulls on their boots and gets marching to raise money this spring.”
Erin said: “The Kiltwalk is for everyone; it’s a brilliant day seeing so many people come together for their chosen causes. Taking part for Erskine means honouring our ex-service men and women. That is such a special feeling. They have given their all for our safety so for us to walk a few miles and raise some funds is the least we can do.”
Erskine Chief Executive, Ian Cumming MBE added: “By taking part in the Kiltwalk for Erskine, our supporters will be helping to provide the high standard of care our Veterans so richly deserve. The Kiltwalk for Erskine is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and support our nation’s Veterans through fitness and fun.”
So get those walking boots on and Walk the Kiltwalk for Erskine. For more information visit https://www.thekiltwalk.co.uk/ or contact Erskine Community Fundraiser Sharon Meiklejohn on sharon.meiklejohn@erskine.org.uk or call 0141 814 4620.
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