We will take on the Mighty Stride's 18-mile route on Sunday 1 June, raising money for All Life Chances. All Life Chances foster community connections in Aberdeen by offering professional, practical and financial support to existing charities and groups across the city's priority neighbourhoods. It believes all children, young people and their families deserve an equal chance in life. Since getting involved with All Life Chances, we have become aware of the increasing need across Aberdeen’s areas of deprivation. I can honestly say we were shocked to learn about the levels of poverty across the city, exacerbated by the lack of awareness and targeted, meaningful support, to enable children and young people to access the best chance possible in life (hence the name of the charity).

All Life Chances is a spin-out from Aberdeen Lads Club, founded 100 years ago to address the same needs now, that were prevalent back then. All Life Chances work tirelessly to bring life-changing opportunities and experiences to youngsters to enable them to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, foster ambition and empower them to build a better future. They promote social inclusion by giving children and young people a sense of belonging, purpose, and self-worth. Ultimately, this work contributes to stronger, more cohesive communities and creates lasting, transformative change.

The work All Life Chances undertakes has already had a profoundly positive impact, supporting several existing charities, schools and community groups across Aberdeen, where poverty and inequality has led to increasing numbers of young people engaging in antisocial behaviour including violence, substance abuse and crime. All money raised will enable this crucial work to continue, and allow further development of services, facilities and infrastructure within these areas to help address the root cause of the challenges faced by many families living in poverty in Aberdeen.