Pars kiltwalkers raise money for charity
Published 26 Sep 2012 09:00
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ON Easter Sunday this year Pars community coach Gregor Tennant and a group from the first DAFC Football Fans in Training course completed the 26-mile charity Kiltwalk from Hampden Park to Loch Lomond raising £5294 for disadvantaged children in Scotland.
The proceeds from this sponsored walk go to some of Scotland's best-loved charities including Aberlour Child Care Trust, CHAS, CLIC Sargent and The Tartan Army Children's Charity.
Teams taking part also got to choose their own charity, who receive around half the money they raise. The Pars team chose Home Start in Dunfermline and presented a cheque to Home Start's Kim Wylie at Saturday's home game against Livingston.
Home Start is a nationwide charity with offices in Dunfermline which supports almost 77,000 vulnerable children across the UK, helping them cope with post-natal illness, isolation, bereavement, disability, domestic violence and much more.
A Pars spokesperson said, "Home Start seemed an ideal choice as DAFC is very committed to being at the heart of the community in Fife with a strong focus on family, children and young people.
"In addition, there is a personal connection amongst the DAFC Kiltwalk team to Home Start. Mike McManus, one of the team members, and his family have been supported by the charity for a number of years."
Mike said, "We felt it was time to say a big thank you to Home Start who have helped me and my family through some hard times."
Laura Kay, Home Start senior co-ordinator, added, "We really appreciate the amazing efforts of the team who completed the Kiltwalk on our behalf.
"They have raised a fantastic amount of money that will enable us to provide the 'extras' for our families that we wouldn't be able to do otherwise, such as trips and Christmas celebrations, which are, of course, extremely valuable experiences for young children and their families.
"It will also allow us to recognise and acknowledge the wonderful work done all year round by our volunteers, without whom we would not be able to provide much needed support to families."
Gregor and his team are already preparing to take part in next year's Kiltwalk, taking place on 21st April.
Gregor added, "It was an amazing experience being involved in an event like this and the boys from Football Fans in Training worked hard at their fitness to complete the 26 miles.
"We'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who sponsored us and to The Kilt Company for loaning us the DAFC tartan kilts, especially Elsie Rennie and Shelia West who fitted the kilts and made sure they didn't fall off us on the day!
"Also thanks to Neil's Coaches who supplied transport to and from the walk. It was a team effort and it's great to hand over such a big cheque to such a vital charity as Home Start."
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