Royal Caledonian Education Trust Team of Striders Raise Over £3000 in Support of Charity

Our Royal Caledonian Education Trust team of striders, which comprised staff members, friends, family, trustees and vice presidents, completed a Virtual Kiltwalk last week, raising an incredible £3,457 in support of our charity.

The team covered approximately two-hundred and six virtual miles to reflect the charity’s foundation in 1815, who raised the money by setting up a Just Giving campaign, of which funds raised were subsequently boosted by 50%, thanks to the Tom Hunter Foundation.

The idea to take part in the Kiltwalk arose during a team catch up over Zoom on a grey day in February. Those on the call collectively agreed that it would be a fun idea to take part in a challenge event together after months of working separately due to the ongoing coronavirus restrictions.

CEO Laura Falconer said:

“We decided to take part in the virtual Kiltwalk in the spirit of doing something good for RCET and to give us a focus during the last lockdown. We have all been working from home since the pandemic started and it was a great opportunity to create a sense of unity and purpose amongst the team.”

This year’s Kiltwalk was held virtually, and our team of striders completed their respective contributions up and down a range of scenic locations across Scotland, which included the Cairngorms National Park, Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, Port Glasgow and Loch Leven.

Contributions were made across the border in England too, where our Chairman, Malcolm Noble, covered an epic twenty-five miles in his kilt and Royal Caledonian Education t-shirt near his hometown of Chelmsford, Essex.

Malcom said:

“As Chairman of RCET, I wished to set a positive example so volunteered to walk the bulk of the RCET Strider’s collective 206 miles and covered roughly 26 miles of the Essex coast.

I am very proud of our team for raising such a fantastic amount of money which will go directly towards supporting our Armed Forces children and young people to reach their full potential and thrive.”

  • Wellbeing Worker Cara and her partner who walked from Port Glasgow along the banks of the River Clyde towards Fort Matilda
  • National Transitions Worker Carolyn at the Caledonian Canal
  • Fundraising & Comms Assistant Franny and her brother who walked the black route of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
  • RCET Vice President Andy Middlemiss, his wife Jo Middlemiss MBE, RCET CEO Laura Falconer and her husband, Bruce who walked around Loch Leven
  • Youth Participation Worker Scott on Loch Insch
  • Youth Participation Manger - Nina, her daughter, and Nina’s friend who walked around Loch Leven.

The funds raised will ensure Royal Caledonian Education Trust continues to support children and young people, from serving personnel, reservist and veteran families across Scotland through a variety of ways.

We are committed to co-producing services to better understand and respond effectively to unique challenges experienced regarding mental health and wellbeing, youth participation as well as education and learning.

We nurture confidence and provide a national platform to speak up and champion change for what matters most to Armed Forces young people as well as facilitate life-changing experiences, which develop new skills and confidence as well as forge new friendships.

We support serving personnel and veteran families who have experienced considerable financial hardship throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic as well as Armed Forces young people with caring responsibilities and those attending college and university. 

If our team of striders has inspired you and you would like to support our work, please get in touch with our Fundraising Team about next year’s Kiltwalk.

Alternatively, there are wide range of alternative challenge events which you can complete in support of Royal Caledonian Education Trust.

Please contact [email protected]