The hills will be alive with the colour purple next month (September) when fundraisers take to the Scottish mountains in aid of CLAN Cancer support.
A series of challenging walks will take place in the Cairngorms as part of CLAN’s Go Purple month, with the aim of raising money for the local charity, which provides emotional and practical support to those affected by cancer, their families, carers and friends.
The CLAN Go Purple Scottish Treks have been organised by Stonehaven-based BackStrong Adventures, which was founded by Gillian Fowler who broke her back in a horse-riding accident in 2008. The company specialises in outdoor adventures and activities for all ages, helping people to realise their dreams of achieving personal goals while also creating long-lasting memories.
People of all abilities are invited to sign up for one (or more) of the guided walks, which will be held throughout September at a number of locations, including the Lairig Ghru, Ben Avon and Beinn A’Bhuird, Lochnagar and Broadcairn and a circuit of the Lairigs.
Gillian said: “We have supported CLAN since the outset - I believe it is vitally important to help raise awareness and funds for this invaluable local cancer charity. I’m very aware of all the incredible services they offer people affected by cancer and their loved ones due to people close to me having this awful disease.
“We are honoured to be working with CLAN in organising the treks as part of their Go Purple campaigns. The charity does a lot of work with regards to health and wellbeing, and having a fundraising initiative that focuses on the great outdoors is a great fit. We hope the CLAN community, friends and family will sign up for what will be incredible fundraiser.”
Go Purple is held during September, which is CLAN’s birthday month. The idea behind Go Purple was to give organisations, individuals and schools a focus for fundraising and to help raise awareness of CLAN’s services throughout the month. CLAN Cancer Support’s Fundraising Manager, Susan Crighton, said that all funds raised from the Go Purple Walks will help the charity to continue to provide cancer support services, free of charge, to anyone affected by cancer throughout the North-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.
“Go Purple month is now in its fourth year. Thanks to the support of many individuals and organisations ‘Go Purple’ continues to grow each year and gives us an opportunity to raise awareness of the wide range of cancer wellbeing and support services CLAN provides in the heart of communities. Taking to the hills is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of CLAN while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Scottish mountains. We are very much looking forward to hearing about the walks and seeing all the photographs.”
Details of BackStrong Adventure’s Go Purple Scottish Treks are as follows:
- Lairig Ghru, from Speyside to Deeside – September 3
- Ben Avon and Beinn A’Bhuird – September 10-11
- Lochnagar and Broadcairn Treks – September 24-25
- Circuit of the Lairigs – September 23-26
For more information, visit www.backstrongadventures.com/CLAN