Alistair Burns
Alistair's fundraiser for Vocal - Voice Of Carers Across Lothian: The Robert Stevenson Pilgrimage
Fundraising for Vocal - Voice Of Carers Across Lothian
Story
🚵♂️ Welcome to my fundraising page! I'm thrilled to share an extraordinary adventure that combines my passion for cycling, my admiration for the remarkable Stevenson family, and my dedication to supporting carers in need. Join me on the Robert Stevenson Pilgrimage, an incredible journey where every pedal stroke contributes to making a real difference in the lives of carers.
📚 As fate would have it, I discovered that the grave of Robert Stevenson, the visionary lighthouse engineer, rests just a stone's throw away from my home. Learning that he was the grandfather of the legendary Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson ignited a profound fascination within me for their family's extraordinary accomplishments in both engineering and literature.
📣Recently, my ageing mother's health has declined, and she was recently diagnosed with dementia. I made the decision to move her from Inverness to Edinburgh to provide the care and support she needs. During this challenging time, I discovered VOCAL – the Voice of Carers Across Lothian, an incredible organization that has been a beacon of support for me and countless others.
💕 Inspired by their dedication, I realized that many people are unaware of the vital assistance and guidance available to them as carers. So, I've decided to embark on this pilgrimage to raise not only funds but also awareness for VOCAL. It's a cause close to my heart, and I invite you to be part of this thrilling adventure by supporting me on this journey.
The Pilgrimage 🗺️
The Robert Stevenson Pilgrimage is a self supported cycle from Robert Stevenson's grave in Edinburgh to the southernmost lighthouse in Scotland that he engineered - a mighty lighthouse on the Mull of Galloway precariously perched on 260ft cliffs and proudly standing 26 metres high.
🏕️ In true adventure style, I don't know the exact route I will follow, so the trip will be upwards of 175 miles, although more likely to be over 200 miles if I take a few detours to some of the historic attractions the South of Scotland has to offer. To keep things tough, I'll be laden with my tent, sleeping kit, cooking equipment, spare clothes, my beloved Aeropress and coffee grinder, and a small camping chair, on which each evening, I'll be reading my way through a vintage copy of Robert Lous Stevenson's (RLS) "Kidnapped!", featuring fictional lighthouses inspired by the work his ancestors!
🏠 On the way, I'll hope to visit the house where RLS lived, the Northern Lighthouse Board, who operate and maintain 208 lighthouses and 174 buoys, VOCAL's carer centre in Midlothian, and anywhere else that takes my fancy!
🎥 I'll be filming the entire trip to make into an adventure video on YouTube, and if technology allows, I'll have an online map where you can follow my live progress.
Supporting VOCAL 🧑🏿🤝🧑🏻
By contributing to this noble cause, you'll be supporting VOCAL in their mission to empower and assist carers across the Lothian region. VOCAL provides a lifeline to those who selflessly care for their loved ones, offering invaluable support, guidance, and respite. Through your generous donations, we can ensure that carers receive the assistance they desperately need, giving them the strength to continue their invaluable work.
Your Donation 💰
Every donation, no matter the size, will make a tangible impact on the lives of carers. Together, let's create a ripple effect of change and support. Your contribution will provide essential resources, counselling services, and respite opportunities for carers, offering them a lifeline during their challenging journeys.
Join Me 🚴♂️
I invite you to join me in this thrilling adventure and help make a real difference. Together, we can raise funds, raise awareness, and transform the lives of carers. Donate now and be a part of this incredible journey towards a brighter future for those who dedicate themselves to caring for others.
Thank you for your generosity and support!
Follow along when the adventure starts 📃
https://www.instagram.com/mr.ally.burns/
Watch some of my past adventures: 📺