Tartan Trek in support of CLAN
On Saturday 11 May, just over 200 walkers, some from as far afield as Perth and Peterhead, took part in the fourth annual Tartan TrekTM on the Balmoral Estate, walking a 6k or 17k route in support of CLAN Cancer Support.
The trekkers were led off from Crathie by pipers from the Ballater Pipe Band, and fortified with water, fruit, cereal bars and shortbread, supplied by Sainsbury’s, Asda, the Co-op, Morrisons, Costco and Walkers. Those who did the longer 17k route were also offered a free dram at the Gelder Shiel Bothy, courtesy of the Royal Lochnagar Distillery. Trekkers were treated to stunning close-up views of Balmoral Castle and the snow-clad hills beyond, before returning to Crathie for tea and home-bakes in the marquee.
The Tartan TrekTM began in 2010, the inspiration of volunteers at the CLAN Upper Deeside Centre in Ballater, who wanted to show that a diagnosis of cancer need be no bar to achievement.
Many of the tartan trekkers are CLAN clients and family members who return year after year to meet old friends and show their support, and in the process have raised thousands of pounds for the cancer support charity.
Aberdeenshire Area Coordinator, Gemma Powell said, “The Tartan TrekTM has become a regular and valued event in the CLAN calendar. That we are able to hold the event in the fabulous setting of the Balmoral Estate makes it all the more special. We are hugely grateful to the Tartan Trek Team who give their time and energies over many months to make this event the success that it is.”
She continues, “We are also fortunate to have tremendous support from the local community, and delighted to receive many cash donations. All this helps us to help those affected by cancer.”
CLAN in Ballater was established so that anyone with a cancer diagnosis, and their family members and carers, could access support services locally. Services, which are provided free of charge, include a drop-in for support and information, complementary therapies, monthly support groups and a therapeutic walking group.
For further information and CLAN’s local support services please call 01339 756318 or visit www.clanhouse.org
CLAN is an independent charity which offers support to anyone affected by cancer. From its support centre in Aberdeen and its services in Ballater, Elgin, Inverurie, Kirkwall, Lerwick, Peterhead and Stonehaven the charity covers the whole of North East Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.
