Maggie’s Centre Aberdeen held it’s third annual Culture Crawl event on June 21 and raised an incredible £80,000 to help its vital support for people in the North-east. The 10-mile route across Aberdeen had the highest number of fundraisers yet, with over 600 walkers taking to the streets.
Following the format of previous years, the route and locations remained a closely guarded secret until the night itself. Walkers this year visited nine new venues not previously included on a Maggie’s Culture Crawl, where they enjoyed captivating cultural performances including live music from Albyn School’s 'Fazz Junk' Jazz Funk Band, Music 4 U and Bucksburn Academy’s Steel Orchestra. They were served delicious local food and drink along the route from local suppliers Mackies of Scotland, Blackford Craft Distillery, JG Ross and the Park Café.
Among the walkers was Neil Foster, father of three, who was diagnosed with CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia) 10 years ago and needed treatment for his illness two years ago. After not being able to take part in the Culture Crawl in 2018 due to ill health, Neil was finally able to take part to raise money for the Maggie’s Centre in Aberdeen.
When he was going through his treatment he began to use the Maggie’s Centre. Neil soon became a regular visitor bringing his wife along too, who also became a frequent Centre user and used its range of support services.
Neil said: “The walk was fantastic and was a worthwhile experience. Me and my family had a great time taking part in it together this year and we can’t wait to sign up for next year’s Culture Crawl.
“I appreciate every minute I spent at Maggie’s and it really kept me going through my treatment. I had something to look forward to when I was off work. You always felt welcome and nothing was too much hassle.
“I would say to anyone that has recently been diagnosed, don’t hesitate to use the Centre. It is there for everyone to use and anyone is welcome. I always like to give something back, I volunteer as much as I can because they were there for me and it’s my turn to be there for them.”
Paula Cormack, centre fundraising manager for Maggie’s Aberdeen, said: “Everyone at the centre was so happy that Neil was able to take part in this year's Culture Crawl and it was great to see his family back again.
“People like Neil, have helped us to raise awareness and money to support people exactly like him and his family to get the free practical and emotional support when they need it.”
Registrations are now open for the Maggie’s Culture Crawl Aberdeen 2020 - www.maggiescentres.org/ccaberdeen
Neil Foster and his family