A huge thank you to people who raised money for CrossReach
Published on 4 May 2020
People donated more than £12,500 to help safeguard "vital" social care services run by the Church of Scotland.
The money was raised for CrossReach through the 2.6 Challenge which saw people including the Moderator of the General Assembly undertake fun activities that incorporated the numbers two and six.
Rt Rev Colin Sinclair climbed 26 stairs in his manse 50 times in 26 minutes and his wife Ruth completed 26 climbs in the same timeframe to raise more than £5,500.
He said: "We were delighted to be involved in the 2.6 challenge to support CrossReach which represents Christian love in action and focuses on helping people flourish and lead fuller lives.
"We are so appreciative of all those who sponsored us or who gave to the charity in other ways.
Christian love in action
CrossReach is the operating name of the Church's Social Care Council, established in 1869, and supports 10,000 vulnerable people of all ages a year in Scotland.
The 2.6 Challenge is a UK-wide initiative which enabled people to raise and donate money for charities of their choice.
It is inspired by the 26-mile London Marathon which was supposed to be held on April 26 but it was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Guild always up for a challenge
Associate Secretary Karen Gillon said: "We were overwhelmed by the number of Guild members and friends who joined us for a virtual bowl of soup.
"Some groups had their soup with family or friends by video chat.
"The Guild has again shown that when it comes to taking action they are up for the challenge."
Claire Griffiths of Glasgow played 26 tunes 26 times on her violin and raised a total of £420.
Martha Bogle, wife of Very Rev Albert Bogle, who runs digital church Sanctuary First, walked 2.6 miles around the Bridge of Allan and raised nearly £1,500.
Ian Hunter of Glasgow, a member of CrossReach, raised more than £1,000 after a doing a putting challenge.
His 11-year old granddaughter, Abigail Lamb, of Wishaw in North Lanarkshire completed a maths challenge and raised a total of £37.
Viv Dickenson, Chief Executive Officer, of CrossReach, said: "It has been fantastic to see people get out of their comfort zone and rise to the 2.6 challenge in so many different ways.
"Thank you to all who took part.
"The money raised for CrossReach represents a significant sum worthy of the significant effort made.
"It will help us to continue to provide vital services throughout the current crisis and beyond."
Mr Sinclair described his visit to CrossReach services last October as an "eye opening" experience.
"We were privileged to meet a number of the staff and volunteers from the range of services," he said.
"However, our lasting impressing came through service users who were willing to share with us their stories.
"We never took that for granted and felt privileged when they talked with us.
"Whether they were talking about addiction struggles, life after prison, being looked after as a child or facing dementia with their family, the one constant was an appreciation for the professional and human care they received from CrossReach."
