Water of Leith turns blue to help build a new St Columba's Hospice

Tuesday, 10 May 2011

The Water of Leith turned a special shade of blue on Sunday, May 8 as more than 350 walkers put their best foot forward in a charity fundraising walk for St Columba's Hospice.

Walkers of all ages dressed in blue, the official colour of the Hospice, with Smurfs, fairies, princesses and people wearing blue St Columba's t-shirts all battling through rainy conditions to reach the finish line at the Shore.

Most people chose to walk the 'Big Yin', the 12.25 mile walk from Balerno to Leith, while others took on the 'Wee Yin' five mile walk from Murrayfield to Leith.

A party at the finish line was a welcome sight to all, with music from Leith FM, live entertainment from the Science Buskers, face painting, refreshments and stalls. There were also massages on offer to soothe the legs of weary walkers.

Martin Lawlor, Campaign Fundraising Manager for St Columba's Hospice said: "We were worried that the weather might put people off or dampen people's spirits, but it seems to have had the opposite effect and for most of the day the sun was shining.

"The atmosphere along the way was wonderful. People were singing, sharing their stories of their experience with St Columba's Hospice, and helping each other to reach the finish line.

"I think walking the Water of Leith was something that a lot of people had always wanted to do, so to have the chance to do it for a charity and as part of the St Columba's Hospice community was a very special opportunity.

"The response to our Water of Leith Walk has been wonderful and has completely exceeded our expectations.

"It's the largest charity walk we've ever held and we're already looking forward to making it even bigger and better next year.

"I'd like to give an enormous thank you to everyone who completed the walk for St Columba's Hospice and for making it such a special day.

"I'd also like to give a very big thank you to Registers of Scotland for their help in putting together this event and to the Miller Group and Baillie Gifford for sponsoring it. We couldn't have done it without them."

Sheenagh Adams, The Keeper of the Registers of Scotland (RoS) said: "RoS was delighted to be able to contribute to such a successful day.

"Our staff chose St Columba's as our 'Charity of the Year' because of the care and support they offer to local people at the most difficult time in their lives.

"They touch so many families and to be able to help them raise much needed funds towards the rebuilding of the Hospice was a real privilege."

The charity is still collecting sponsorship money for the walk and will not know the total raised from this event for a few weeks, but it is hoped that they will break past the £10,000 mark.

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