Lochnagar walk to raise funds for Aberdeen FC Community Trust
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Local professionals are being urged to swap office attire for hiking boots and take a trek up Lochnagar in aid of charity.
The walk on Friday April 1 is being organised by Iain Landsman of CBRE and Mark Wilson from Space Solutions to raise funds for Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT).
Last year the duo, along with Liz Bowie from the Trust and fellow professional Eric Harper, tackled seven of Scotland’s Munros in a mammoth 24-hour hike in aid of AFCCT, raising a total of £53,000.
This year, they have chosen a less strenuous route to allow more people to join in.
Starting at Loch Muick at 7.30am, the walk is open to any professional in Aberdeen for a minimum donation of £20.
All proceeds will go to AFCCT’s valuable work in the community, which supports people of all ages and backgrounds across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, with a focus on education and building healthy communities including its extensive football programming.
Among the current programmes are heath walks and fitness classes aimed at encouraging older people to get out and meet new friends, including the Trust’s award-winning dementia friendly activities.
Mental wellbeing is also a priority for the Trust, with funding supporting projects such as The Changing Room, which helps men aged between 30 and 64 to manage their own mental health and access support, while MINDSET uses play-based activities to teach young people aged 11-14 skills for coping with stress and breaking down stigma.
Commercial property advisor at CBRE Iain Landsman said the walk would raise funds to allow the Trust to continue its essential work and enhance its programmes.
He said: “We’re pleased to be organising another fundraiser for the Trust, which does terrific work in our local community that reaches far beyond just football.
“This year we’re taking on a more manageable hike to attract less experienced hillwalkers.
"We want as many of our fellow professionals, particularly in the property sector, to join us for a great, but active, day out that aims to raise a significant sum for AFCCT.”
Chief executive of AFCCT Liz Bowie said: “We are extremely grateful to Iain and Mark for organising another fundraising walk.
"They are huge supporters of the work we do and this will be a welcome boost at a time when we’re facing real challenges in raising funds to allow us to support more local people who really need our help.
“The funds raised through the walk will support our current programmes which target groups of all ages, as well as allowing us to expand and develop new projects in key areas such as mental health, dementia support and fitness.
“AFCCT has achieved so much over the past few years, helping change the lives of so many people in the region.
"However, we are only scratching the surface of what could be done to help the thousands more who need support to recognise their true potential in life and to help children and families who continue to face difficult challenges and need additional support.”
She added: “Mental health is such an important subject, particularly as we emerge from the pandemic, so it’s fitting that a walk in the beautiful Cairngorms is being organised as a good way to take some time out and reset, while raising money for charity.”
Established in 2014 as the charity partner of Aberdeen Football Club, AFCCT is known for its work in supporting the local community, across all ages and backgrounds, while encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.
It has won several prestigious awards, including the UEFA Best Grass Roots Football Club (2019/20) and Queen’s Award (2019).
The Trust’s extensive and wide-ranging activities have achieved more than 1,000,000 participations since it was launched, leading to increased attainment but also resulting in major savings in healthcare services.
If you wish to take part in this year’s walk you can contact Iain by email at: Iain.Landsman@cbre.com
For more information about AFCCT, how to donate and details of last year’s Munro challenge, you can visit: https://www.afccommunitytrust.org/
