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Keep up-to-date with what's happening at SBH Scotland.
Scottish Wit launched in time for World Book Day
Billy Connolly, Ewan McGregor and Lorraine Kelly are just some of the iconic Scots featuring in a new book of Scottish humour.
‘Scottish Wit’, written by author Aubrey Malone, includes a collection of quotes, jokes and pearls of wisdom from some of Scotland’s most well-known figures. From insights into parenthood, to quips about Scottish football and advice on love and marriage, the book is not only funny and insightful, it is raising funds for a very important cause.
Launching just ahead of World Book Day (Thursday 1 March) all proceeds from the sale of Scottish Wit will be donated to specialist charity Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland). Funds will be used specifically to help the charity provide personalised support to families across Scotland affected by complex and lifelong conditions of spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. Services provided by SBH Scotland include support groups, home visits by dedicated support workers, financial advice and a helpline.
Scottish Wit is the last instalment in a trilogy written by Aubrey Malone, which include the books Irish Wit and Welsh Wit. An author of 30 years, Malone compiled the entire collection using a traditional type-writer and without using the internet. He was inspired to raise funds for SBH Scotland after hearing of the daily struggles endured by a young pupil who has the conditions, from his wife, a teaching assistant in Ireland.
Aubrey Malone said; “Humour is a powerful tool and I wrote this book to give people a solace from everyday stresses. Scotland is renowned world-wide for its sense of humour and hopefully these one-liners will bring a smile to people’s faces.
“SBH Scotland does fantastic work, helping support those with spina bifida and hydrocephalus through every stage of their lives. Writing is my passion in life, and I am glad that I was able to give back to the organisation by simply doing what I love.”
Deborah Roe, fundraising director at SBH Scotland said; “We are hugely grateful to Aubrey for dedicating this book to our cause. Scotland has more live births per head of population with spina bifida than anywhere else in the UK and almost every week one pregnancy is affected by the complex conditions.
“We are always looking for new inventive ways to fundraise and we have a host of exciting activities planned for 2018, including our first trek through Peru, an abseil down the Northern Lights Tower in Aberdeen and a zip-line across the River Clyde. For those unable to take on the adrenaline fuelled challenges, Scottish Wit gives people another way to offer their support.”
Scottish Wit costs £9.99 and is available to purchase NOW online or by calling 03455 211 600.
Question of Burns raises record £57K
Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland) has raised £57,000, at its annual “A Question of Burns” supper.
More than 520 guests gathered to celebrate the life of the famous poet, making it one of the biggest Burns supper to have ever been delivered by the charity since the event launched 27 years ago.
Former Scottish international rugby player and TV sports presenter Andy Nicol hosted the evening at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel, where guests enjoyed poetry, a four-course meal, silent auction and a quiz on all things Rabbie Burns.
Stand-up comedian Bruce Fummey brought humour as he recited the popular Burns’ poem Tam o’ Shanter, while the Rt Hon Lord Robertson of Port Ellen led a celebration of Burn’s enduring spirit by narrating the Immortal Memory. The evening concluded with an emotional performance of Burn’s Auld Lang by Glasgow-born soprano, Charlotte McKechnie.
Since its launch in 1990 SBH Scotland’s annual event, in honour of the Ayrshire bard, has raised over £1 million, which has been used to support thousands of families across Scotland affected by the lifelong disabilities of spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.
Deborah Roe, fundraising director at SBH Scotland, said: “We always look forward to ‘A Question of Burns,’ which continues to go from strength to strength in numbers and gives us the opportunity to welcome so many new faces. To sell out the event is a testament to the passion of all our fundraisers who work tirelessly to make the evening as special as possible.
“I would like to thank our headline sponsors, Chisholm Hunter, for their continued support and to all those who attended and donated to our charity. The proceeds will be used to provide a wide range of dedicated services across Scotland to children, young people and their families.”
One lucky guest walked away with a set of exquisite 18ct white gold and diamond flower cluster drop earrings worth £1,500, which were donated by headline sponsor Chisholm Hunter for the Grand Prize Draw. A luxury holiday to Sri Lanka, courtesy of Nisala and a £10,000 advertising package from Exterion Media, were also up for grabs in the auction.
Harry Brown, managing director at Chisholm Hunter, commented: “Chisholm Hunter has been proud to watch our relationship with SBH Scotland progress and develop over our 20 year association. Our pride and faith in this charity stems from the profound positive impact that it has directly on the lives of 3500 families affected by Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus, or related conditions. We hope to continue to show the same commitment to Spina Bifida that they continuously demonstrate to each of their members”
To support SBH Scotland or to find out more about other events happening throughout the year, call 03455 211 600, email fundraising@sbhscotland.org.uk or visit www.sbhscotland.org.uk for more details.
Peru Trek 2018 - Your questions answered
We've had a lot of interest in our Peru Trek 2018 with Global Adventures but understandably many of you have questions before signing up. To help you out we've compiled a short list of the most popular questions you have. If you still would like further information please don't hesitate to contact Lynsey, our Peru Trek Co-ordinator or read more on our Peru page.
Q: I am interested but I’ve never fundraised before. How can I raise £3,000?
A: There are a wide variety of ways in which you can fundraise. Your designated fundraising staff member will brain storm with you to come up with ideas and be there for support over the year. Some ideas to consider:
- Small community event (e.g. dinner, disco, race night, cinema screening)
- One off event (hold your own sponsored walk/hike, cycle ride or )
- Launch a “Just Giving” fundraising page – makes collecting money from friends and family hassle free
- Bake Sale
- Bag pack at local supermarket
- Dress down day at work
- Raffle
Whatever you decide to do, the fundraising team will be there to support you and aid you throughout the fundraising process. It should also be noted that if your employment offer Matched Funding this can be included within the requirement of £3,000.
Q: What support do you provide in the fundraising process?
A: You will have a designated fundraising staff member that will help you from start to finish with your fundraising, helping you turn an idea into a reality. They will be there to help you with your minimum sponsorship requirement and answer any questions you may have.
Q: What exactly does the £3,000 cover? Does it cover the registration fee, the trekking permit and airport taxes and fuel?
A: The £3,000 covers the cost of the trip and makes sure that the charity raises money to support vital support services in Scotland. In addition there is the registration fee (£395), trekking permit (£150), airport taxes (£250), fuel and flight to Heathrow which must also be paid by the participant.
Q. I can’t pay the £395 registration fee upfront. Can I split it over two months?
A: Absolutely, just speak to the SBH Scotland team who can tell you more.
Q: I don’t think I can raise £3,000 but my work provides matched funding. Can I use matched funding for my fundraising?
A: Yes. However the matched funding must have reached our team before your trip.
Q6: What happens if I don’t make the target of £3,000?
A: If you do not hit the target of £3000 you will be required to pay the remainder of the target by yourself. However, given the amount of time given and support from fundraising staff we don’t believe this will be an issue.
Q: Due to Christmas coming up I won’t be able to start fundraising until January. Does this still leave me enough time to reach the target of £3,000?
A: Yes. Work out how many months you have to achieve your target and look at the most cost effective ways in which you can reach the target in that amount of time, your fundraising staff member will discuss this with you. For example, you may decide to host a small event to help you reach a large chunk of your target. In addition to this you may decide to start up a just giving page, host a dress down day in work, ask for a bag pack at a local supermarket or do a sponsored walk to make up the rest of your target.
Q: I have never done anything like this before. Will I need to physically train for the trek?
A: Yes. When you register for your trip you will be sent a pack with training guides and tips on how to prepare for the trek. Moreover, SBH Scotland are hosting a number of walking challenges during 2018 and for those taking part in our Peru Trek you'll be offered free places on our Loch Katrine Walk and a Kiltwalk of your choosing. Participation in these challenges will not only allow you to build upon your walking experience but also enhance your stamina which is crucial for successfully completing the trek in Peru.
We hope this short blog has helped answer your questions but we'd love to talk this exciting opportunity over with you. Please don't hesitate to call Lynsey Hamilton on 03455 211 600 or email her at anytime.
Trek of a Lifetime - One Year to Machu Picchu
Join SBH Scotland to conquer the one and only Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – the world’s most important archaeological find and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World! There are literally thousands of Inca Trails within Peru and many other charity events sound similar, but there’s only one Inca Trail that leads through the majestic Sun Gate, and then onto the fascinating ruins of Machu Picchu!
"I've always talked about doing this" - Sound familiar? SBH Scotland are asking people to take action and start ticking things off their bucket lists - a trek like this is life affirming and truly is a once in a lifetime experience.
SBH Scotland also offer one of the lowest priced Peru Charity Treks with a minimum sponsorship level of £3,000 (up to 25% lower than other charities). SBH Scotland will also work with you to help you raise the minimum sponsorship in a variety of different ways, making your year leading up to the challenge just as much fun as the trek itself.
This classic Inca Trail encompasses 3 high mountain passes – the highest being 4,200m. The trek will be tough and will certainly test us, but upon witnessing the sight of Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate mirrored with breathtaking views across the Andes your efforts are more than worthwhile. Standing proudly together as Team SBH Scotland!
Day 1: London Heathrow to Peru
Day 2: Cusco - Free Day
Day 3: Acclimatisation Trek to Inca sites (Trekking distance - 8km)
Day 4: Cusco to Wayllabamba (Trekking distance -11km)
Day 5: Wayllabamba to Pacaymayo (Trekking distance -11km)
Day 6: Pacaymayo to Wiñayhuayna (Trekking distance -16km)
Day 7: Wiñayhuayna to Machu Picchu (Trekking distance -6kn)
Day 8: Cusco- Free Day and celebratory meal
Day 9: Return flight to Heathrow
Day 10: Arrive in UK
Requirements:
- You must be over 18 years of age
- Minimum Sponsorship is £3000 (80% of this must be hit before 25th August 2018)
- £395 Registration fee (please note this can be paid over 2 months)
- £150 Treking permit (paid around February 2018)
- Must make your own way to Heathrow for Departure Flight
- Airport taxes and fuel (6 weeks before the event) capped at £250
- Add altitude to your travel insurance
To find out more or request a brochure please contact Lynsey Hamilton or call 03455 211 600.
Ready to join us, book online now.
Fancy Making Some Noise at Pedal for Scotland?
SBH Scotland are one of the nominated charities who will receive funding from Global Radio's 'Make Some Noise' charity appeal this year and we're asking everyone who'd like to support their appeal if they'd like to take part in Pedal for Scotland on Sunday 10th September in Glasgow.
Over 10,000 riders will be taking part in 6 cycling routes across Scotland; From the wee janut to the Big Belter - if you like cycling this is a great challenge.
Make Some Noise offering those taking part free entry into any of the distances as long as you pledge to raise £100 for Make Some Noise.
To get signed up
- Click on this link:
- Get registered and when prompted use the code for the Heart team - HRTFM17, which will give you free entry
- This will be for any ride – 10 mile Wee Jaunt Edinburgh, 45 mile Classic Challenge or the 93 mile Big Belter.
- For your fundraising Makes Some Noise ask that you use this page
Don’t worry if you can’t get the £100 before September 10th as you have until the start of October to fundraise!
By signing up for Pedal for Scotland you also agree with the terms and conditions which are detailed below.
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