On 15 September 2019, I'll be taking part in the Kilt Walk in Edinburgh where I'll be taking on "The Mighty Stride"; a 26 Mile Walk across the capital along with other crazy fundraisers from over Scotland.

Why you ask? One simple reason. To give back to a Club and Charity that has given so much to the community of Lanarkshire already and those affected by Dementia and Alzheimers.

The Stonehouse Jubilee Club was set up in March of 2012 and meets every Thursday afternoon from 1:30 until 3:30pm in the Lifestyles Centre, Stonehouse. The Club is a social afternoon for people with dementia and their carers, focusing mainly on music. The sessions offer singalongs, quizzes, entertainers and outings and has a weekly attendance of more than 90 people who enjoy an afternoon of laughter, music and friendship. The Club is a non-profitmaking organisation run by volunteers.

In 2018, The Stonehouse Jubilee Club won the "Best Dementia Friendly Community Initiaitive" Award at the Scotland Dementia Awards for their hard work, contribution and success. The volunteers at the Club work so hard to ensure that these social afternoons are a success and any help I can provide to them and the members of the Club will go a long way.

I hold the Jubilee Club very close to my own heart, as my grandmother Helen was sadly diagnosed with Dementia over 10 years ago and we have seen her fade from us for a very long time now. She attended the Club for a number of years until she was sadly unable, however I believe that it was the power of music, friendship and laughter that kept her beautiful smile alive for so many years. The Jubilee Club was so important in keeping her mind active and bringing joy to her life and I can safely say that this effect is felt by all who attend the club on a weekly basis.

The money raised from my participation in The Kilt Walk can be used in so many ways to aid the Club. Whether this be buying new musical instruments for the members, paying for reminisence entertainers to come along to the afternoon or taking the members out to local hotels for afternoon tea, the money will go to an incredible cause that is helping to keep memories alive and smiles beaming. I've began training already and have a long slog ahead before I endure the Walk but I'm determined to smash it. Please help in any way you can; your support will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Callum