It is a sad reality that this year many children may not receive Christmas gifts due to the poverty pandemic which is now gripping so many families across Scotland. 

Coronavirus has shown us just how fragile life is. As a result, many people’s jobs, families and health and wellbeing have been affected in ways none of us could have ever imagined.
This year, more than any other, it is important that we learn to love Christmas collectively, as a community, instead of viewing ourselves and our families in isolation. 

If we pull together, we can help everyone. Which means many parents won’t suffer the stress of not being able to provide for their kids due to financial pressures. But most importantly, kids will share in the joy of the festive season without fear or worry that Santa might not come to call. 

With that in mind, I decided that I can do something to help and have taken on a challenge to raise money for Glasgow Caring City this Christmas. I, along with a team of socially distanced volunteers, will be walking the equivalent of a marathon from Pacific Quay in Glasgow along the Clydeside, to a location 26.2 miles away. No doubt we will face the cold and rain as we set off at 5am but the determination to help will keep us going. 

Please, if you can, contribute something to our fundraising effort. I’m not doing anything heroic, just thinking of others at this time of year who perhaps need our help.
It would be wonderful, and mean such a lot to so many, if you could too. 

Thank you.