My Story

In August I'll be returning to the Isle of Bute for the fourth consecutive year.

Every summer since 2023 I've spent a week of my annual leave volunteering with Calums Cabin.

What began as a chance discovery through my company's volunteering programme quickly became one of the highlights of my year. Every visit has reminded me why this charity means so much to so many families.

Over the past four summers I've painted fences, helped in the office, supported fundraising events, managed the charity shop, worked behind the scenes and, last year, even swapped admin for Salesforce to help with volunteer and event coordination. Along the way I've met incredible volunteers, inspiring families and the remarkable people whose passion keeps Calums Cabin running.

This August I'll be returning once again.

I'll spend another week volunteering before taking on the Bute Highland Games 10K on 22 August.

This isn't a challenge I've chosen for a charity I support. It's a challenge for a charity I've had the privilege of volunteering with every summer since 2023.

Last year I crossed the finish line of the Bute Highland Games 10K wearing my Calums Cabin shirt. This year, every kilometre will also be helping to raise money for a charity whose impact I've been fortunate enough to see first-hand.

Why Calums Cabin?

Calum Speirs was just twelve years old when he died from a brain tumour.

Inspired by Calum's love for the Isle of Bute, his family turned his idea into something extraordinary. They created Calums Cabin so that children living with cancer, and their families, could spend precious time together away from hospitals, creating memories when they matter most.

Since then, the charity has grown to provide holiday accommodation in beautiful locations, twelve family flats in Glasgow for families staying close to children's hospitals, wellbeing support and many other initiatives that help families through unimaginably difficult times.

Over the last four years I've seen first-hand the compassion, commitment and sheer hard work that make all of this possible. That's why I wanted this year's challenge to support the charity financially as well as through volunteering.

Why I Keep Coming Back

People often ask why I return to Bute every summer.

The answer is simple.

I've seen what Calums Cabin means to families.

I've seen the dedication of the staff and volunteers who quietly work behind the scenes to make every stay special.

I've seen the difference that kindness, generosity and community can make.

Running the Bute Highland Games 10K is my way of giving something back.

Every training run, every hill session and every mile brings me one step closer to helping more families create precious memories together.

How you can help

If you're able to donate, thank you.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will help Calums Cabin continue supporting children with cancer and their families.

If donating isn't possible, I'd love you simply to learn more about the charity and share this page with someone who might be able to help.

Awareness can be just as valuable.

Together we can help more families create memories that will last a lifetime.

A personal note

When I first volunteered in 2023, I wrote the poem below. Three years later, it still captures why I keep coming back.

Follow the journey

Over the coming weeks I'll be sharing updates from my training, my return to Bute and my week volunteering with Calums Cabin.