Helen McGuire from Gurnard shares details of this very special fundraising walk her two sons are embarking on this week with their grandfather, Derek Booth. Ed
Last Sunday (7th April), alongside their 75-year-old pops, Derek, two young Islanders Ewan and Cammy, set off on a 118km walk along the Camino de Santiago. Starting in Valenca, Portugal finally arriving at Santiago de Compostela on Friday.
They didn’t hesitate when asked which charity they wanted to raise funds for, they picked Scotty’s Little Soldiers.
Scotty’s Little Soldiers
On 2nd June 2009, Lee Scott, left the UK to do his tour of duty in Afghanistan. Lee was a Corporal in the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, working alongside my partner, Kristian, for many years, and he loved his job. He loved being part of a team and he really believed he was making a difference by being in the Army. On 10th July 2009 the family’s lives were totally turned upside down when they had the knock at the door that every Army family dreads, and they were told that Lee had been killed.
Scotty’s community
What followed the next year was the launch of Scotty’s Little Soldiers.
Scotty’s Little Soldiers has come a long way and today they provide hundreds of children across the UK with support and guidance throughout their childhood. They all become part of the Scotty’s community, which helps them feel less alone. They offer respite, however brief, from the daily ups and downs of coping with the loss of a parent.
Support is available to families from the British Army, Royal Navy or RAF and is not limited to those killed in action. Children who have lost a parent through illness, accident or suicide are also eligible as long as their parent served in the British Forces. They listen to what the families need and do everything possible to offer support accordingly.
Opportunities for the children to smile again
Scotty’s provides opportunities for the children to smile again by offering them holidays at our Scotty Lodges, gifts at difficult times of the year, special experiences and an amazing Christmas party. As well as these fun activities the charity also offers wellbeing support and provides access to professional bereavement counselling.
They also provide educational support and deliver a range of grants to help the older kids with their personal development. These grants can cover the cost of music lessons, swimming clubs, after school activities, driving lessons and even University tuition fees.
Show your support
15-year-old Ewan and 13-year-old Cammy are expected to complete their walk tomorrow (Friday).
I really appreciate and acknowledge that we are in a cost of living crisis, but if you could donate even a small amount for the boys to encourage them along their way we would really appreciate it.
Ewan and Cammy, and as am I, are fortunate that Kris made it home every night from his duties, a privilege that not all got.
You can donate via the Just Giving Page.
