Volunteers sought for CLAN’s Landmark Walk
Over 300 marshals and volunteers are being sought as preparations for CLAN Cancer Support’s Landmark Walk continues to gather momentum.
The leading north-east cancer support charity’s popular walking event will return this year on Sunday, September 21 and will feature two routes of 13 and 7.8 miles, which are set to take in a number of prominent spots and landmarks throughout the city.
To enable the walk to go ahead, CLAN requires a number of volunteers to help with a range of activities on the day of the walk itself. From covering junction points and manning water stops to handing out goody bags and medals to walkers at the finish line, a number of roles are available for those looking to give up some of their spare time to help with one of the charity’s biggest fundraisers of the year.
And the charity was today appealing to both local individuals and businesses who are interested in helping with the event to come forward and find out more on how they can get involved.
Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said: “Last year, we were incredibly grateful after we saw hundreds of people come forward to help with the volunteering and marshalling of the event and we’re looking for a similar number again this year to really enable the walk to take place.
“We found last year that there are a number of benefits of volunteering at the walk, not just for CLAN but for those giving up their spare time and the businesses they work for. We had a number of companies who viewed volunteering as almost a team bonding exercise and it was really great that they could mix helping others with helping themselves; we’d certainly encourage local businesses to take a similar approach this year.
“Without the generous help of volunteers from across the north of Scotland, CLAN wouldn’t be where it is today and we’d be delighted if you could help play a part in what is set to be the biggest and best Landmark Walk yet.”
Last year, the inaugural event attracted nearly 300 walkers and over 300 marshals and volunteers, as people from across the north-east came together to help raise over £40,000 for the charity.
This year’s event will again be supported by lawyers to the oil industry, Bond Dickinson; a support that will aid CLAN in its provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer across the north-east of Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. The law firm is also amongst the first to pledge a team of volunteers to help with the marshalling of the event itself.
Michael Spence of Bond Dickinson said: “In supporting the event last year we were impressed not only by the funds which were ultimately raised but with how much satisfaction was gained by those who committed to help as marshals for the event. This year we offered this opportunity to our trainee group across the UK and the take up from that part of our firm has been very heartening.
“At last year's event it was very obvious how much all the volunteers gained from the experience personally over and above the immeasurable difference their presence made to CLAN. I would strongly encourage participation in this way to a great fun event for a marvellous cause.”
CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness. Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Kirkwall and Lerwick.
For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org
