Against my better judgement (and inspired by the We Run Edinburgh gals), I am running my first (and blimin’ well last) marathon in Edinburgh on the 29^th of May. I have the disgustingly sugary energy gels, the garmin that tells me I need to recover for 3 days no matter how far I’ve run and now I need the motivation: raising money for Jock Tamson’s Gairden.

Last year I was convinced to join the trustees of JTG as treasurer because they are a simply fab bunch of people, doing great things for the community. The name comes from that well-loved Scottish saying ‘we’re a’ Jock Tamson’s bairns’ celebrating the egalitarian nature of what we do: it is a garden for the whole community welcoming everyone regardless of age, ability, sexuality or background.

The gairden plays host to many regular groups (Tiphereth, UPMO, University of the Third Age) and provides a peaceful haven for anyone simply popping by. Lizz and the volunteers grow fruit, vegetables and flowers for sale through local outlets and organisations as well as for donation to charitable agencies in the city.  We bring together people from diverse backgrounds, e.g. retired people and primary school pupils to help to improve inter-generational communication and help to alleviate social isolation.  We work with organisations, such as Community Services Unpaid Work Team and Lothian and Edinburgh Abstinence Programme (LEAP).  We recruit volunteers largely from the Health and Employability Service team at Volunteer Edinburgh and encourage people, particularly those who have experienced mental health problems and substance abuse, to work with us. Please do check out our website (and visit our Greens to Go stall!) as I can’t possibly list all the good work in this small box.

What I have learnt as treasurer, through piles of compost receipts, is how surprisingly expensive it is to keep a garden running, especially as we aim to keep it as accessible for everyone as possible. Anything you can give will make a difference and motivate me round the course.  

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