The Kiltwalk 2023 has begun and what a successful first day it was!
Twenty-four Christian Aid supporters took part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk on Sunday 30 April and braved the wet weather! Well done to all! We were delighted that the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Dr Iain Greenshields, took part this year (completing the 3 mile ‘Wee Wander) and our Head of Scotland, Val Brown, embraced the longest distance (the Mighty Stride), walking 22 miles from Glasgow Green to Balloch with her family.
Despite the drizzly weather, the walkers made the most of the day and, so far, over £11,000 has been raised and donations are still coming through.
It's a moment to raise funds for the best cause that they can and it's an opportunity too, to try to raise money for Christian Aid in all of its works.
Dr Greenshields said it was a great day,
"Really good, it was a remarkable experience [...] feeling great!"
He also mentioned that 'a lot of different things' inspired him to do the Kiltwalk. He said: "Christian Aid itself and all that it stands for and the good that it does, but in particular being in South Sudan recently and seeing the real need that was there. That inspired me as Moderator to do this as the 'Moderator's Challenge'.
For those who are thinking about doing the Kiltwalk, the Moderator said: "I think they can choose whatever is easiest or more challenging for them, it all depends, but it's a moment to raise funds for the best cause that they can and it's an opportunity too, to try to raise money for Christian Aid in all of its works. And especially if people haven't donated yet, it's a great opportunity to do that."
Image credits and information
Christian Aid does such fantastic work, right across the world, and we obviously wanted to stand with the global community, with Christian Aid, and all its work.
Image credits and information
Kiltwalkers from 8 different churches took part, including Kirkliston Parish Church, Bearsden Cross Parish Church, New Kilpatrick Parish Church, Alloway Parish Church, Carluke Christian Aid Group, and Orchardhill Parish Church. And finally, thanks to Lomond Parish Church for the very warm welcome and hot cups of tea for those who’d crossed the finish line.
One of our supporters from New Kilpatrick Church of Scotland mentioned that the Kiltwalk was 'a fantastic experience' with 'really good atmosphere' and came around quicker than she expected. Another of our supporters said that the event was also 'very well organised'. "I think what inspired us is that Christian Aid does such fantastic work right across the world and obviously we wanted to stand with the rest of the global community, with Christian Aid, and all its work."
We're already looking forward to what the upcoming Kiltwalks have to offer this year! The next one is in Aberdeen in June, with walks taking place in Dundee in August and Edinburgh in September.
If you're interested in taking part in this years' Kiltwalks, there is still time to join one near you. If you’d like to find out more, please contact our Events Coordinator, Lauren Petherbridge, on: lpetherbridge@christian-aid.org