.jpg)
I am sure like many researchers I was in my element during Covid lockdowns, choosing to sit at home & research rather than taking daily walks.
As things started to ease and with a few extra pounds to shift, myself along with my Husband & a few friends started to get out more for walks. Initially many of us signed up to do walking medals where you pay a set amount, track your miles then receive the medal on completion of your goal.
Although I knew about the Kiltwalk, we sort of fell into it by chance. As an active member of the RAF Association myself I follow them on social media. Earlier in the year I noticed one of their posts advertising their parachute jumps & wing walks & thinking it fun tagged my husband in the post. Not long after there was a bit of chat when the RAF Association replied to my Husband by saying ‘You know you want to do it’. In reality he didn’t, but it did make me click through to the fundraising section of their website where I realised that there were many ways to raise funds on their behalf which included the Kiltwalk.
My father was an Air Traffic Controller in the Royal Air Force & as it is 5 years this year since his death, I could not think of a better way to remember him whilst raising money for something close to my heart. I put the suggestion to my fellow walkers who agreed to sign up to the Kiltwalk, with each of them choosing their own charities.
For those of you not familiar with the Kiltwalk it was set up in Scotland in 2016 as a mass walking event to raise funds for Scottish Charities & normally takes place in four Scottish Cities over varying dates. During the event walkers wear a piece of tartan & take on the walk to raise funds for the charity of their choice. Over the past 6 years Kiltwalkers have raised a massive £22.5 million in donations. Note that a Virtual event is also available for anyone who prefers to take on the challenge from home.
Donations are made through a Just Giving page with any funds being topped up by 50% by Sir Tom Hunter & the Hunter Foundation, this has seen the amount of £22.5 million topped up to £33.9 million. Sir Tom Hunter is a Scottish Entrepreneur & Philanthropist who initially made his fortune with his sports chain ‘Sports Division’. In 2001 he set up West Coast Capital a private equity business & has invested over £50 million through The Hunter Foundation into social causes.
On the day walkers wear some tartan (Kilt, Top, Scarf or similar) with most wearing the T-shirt of the charity they are supporting. There are 3 distances that can be covered depending on your own fitness level, pit stops are every 4 or 5 miles where refreshments are handed out & live music or dance troupes will be on hand to give walkers that much needed boost. On completion walkers are awarded with a medal & given a hot meal.
I am just about ready, have my Family Tartan organised, await my RAFA T-Shirt & with the walk taking place less than a month away I’m getting in some practice before then.
The RAF Association & myself would much appreciate your donations, no matter how small! This can be done via my Just Giving page
Note - I have been advised that if you are donating from overseas, it is better to convert the amount you wish to donate & enter the amount in British Pounds rather than your own currency. If you have any issues, please do not hesitate to contact me.
A follow up Article will be written after the event.
Sign up to our website & don't miss out on future articles & newsletters
Struggling with your own Air Force Research? Contact us for a FREE Consultation Now!
#airforce #ministryofdefence #mod #royalairforce #raf #ww2 #worldwar2 #worldwartwo #coldwar #bombercommand #coastalcommand #fightercommand #aviationgeek #avgeek #aviation #waaf #womensauxiliaryairforce #ww1 #worldwar1 #cwgc #commonwealthwargravescommission #rafa #rafassociation @RAFAssociation #kiltwalk #kiltwalk2022 #kiltwalkedinburgh