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Saltire24 – My Fifth Year and My Biggest Challenge Yet! 🏃‍♀️‍➡️

This year marks my fifth year taking on the incredible Saltire24 race, a full 24 hour endurance challenge held on Saturday 21 June at Knockburn Loch in Aberdeenshire. Runners complete a 4.2 mile loop through stunning countryside as many times as they can within the 24 hour window.

For the past four years, I’ve taken part as part of the much loved (and often loudly dressed) Plod Squad. We’re known for our enthusiasm, our silliness, and our many costume changes. But this year, with a gentle shove from fellow Plod Squad member Elizabeth, I’ve decided to do something completely different…

I’m going solo.

Yes… 24 hours. On my own.

Don’t worry, even though I’m going solo this year, fancy dress is absolutely still on the agenda. Elizabeth is also taking on Saltire24 solo this year, so the Plod Squad spirit will be out in full force. And of course, our original Plod Squad legend Connie will be there too, stepping into her rightful role as Costume Director, volunteering throughout the event, and cheering us on as only she can.

Because let’s be honest: it wouldn’t be Saltire24 without at least one questionable outfit choice, a wig that doesn’t survive the first lap, and Connie shouting encouragement while holding a packet of safety pins and glow sticks!

Why am I doing this? 👟

If you know me, you’ll know I’m no stranger to a challenge or to fun. After years of struggling with my own mental health, I turned to fitness as a way to rebuild myself. I joined Rebel PT back in 2013 and still go to their bootcamps today (though don’t tell Chief Rebel Tom I actually enjoy them). Rebel PT hosts Saltire24 and has always been a huge supporter of CFINE, the charity I’m proud to work for.

I’ve become a big advocate for the power of movement in supporting mental wellbeing. It changed my life and I get to see every day how CFINE changes lives too.

Why am I fundraising for CFINE? 💚

Every year, I use Saltire24 as a chance to raise money for CFINE (Community Food Initiatives North East). An Aberdeen based charity and social enterprise tackling poverty, improving health, and building community resilience across the North East, Moray, Highlands and Islands.

This year, the need is greater than ever.

The cost of living crisis continues to hit families hard, and more people than ever are turning to CFINE for support. Our emergency food provision has seen a sharp rise in the number of people accessing the service, with numbers increase from 43,850 parcels distributed in 2024 to 54,398 parcels in 2025.

Last year, thanks to incredible generosity, I raised £625.

This year, I’m aiming for £1,000.

What can your donation do? 🥫

Every single donation makes a real, tangible difference:

£5 can support a family with emergency food and toiletries for a week

£20 provides dedicated benefits advice to help someone better manage their money

£30 enables someone to attend a cooking skills course

£50 pays forward 20 weekly shops from CFINE’s community pantry

£250 delivers over 2,000 meals to charities and community organisations

These aren’t abstract numbers, they’re real people, real families, real lives changed.

The Challenge Ahead 🏃‍♀️‍➡️

I know this race will take everything I have.

I know it will be uncomfortable not only physically but also mentally and emotionally.

But that discomfort is nothing compared to what people living in poverty face every single day.

I can’t promise I’ll run the whole way.

But I can promise I’ll keep going for as long as my legs and heart will carry me.

If you can donate, no matter how small, I would be incredibly grateful.