West Highland Way Warriors prepare to put best foot forward for LandAid

A team of industry professionals are joining RICS Scotland next week as they walk 154km from Milngavie to Fort William along the world famous West Highland Way.

The ‘West Highland Way Warriors’ will undertake the challenge over just five days as they raise money for property industry charity LandAid which works to end youth homelessness in the UK.

Part of the RICS Pledge150 campaign, which aims to raise money to deliver 150 bed spaces across the UK by December 2018, the funds raised will go directly to a building project in Glenrothes which will support young people into new homes and give them the tools they need to realise a brighter future.

The grant will help fund YMCA Glenrothes’ renovation of an empty three-bed terraced house or flat to create three new bed spaces for young people to move on to from the charity’s fully supported hostel. The young tenants will receive support from an individual case worker to help them achieve a successful future. The charity also plans to provide training and volunteering opportunities for local unemployed people during the building work.

The RICS Pledge150 campaign will also benefit other building projects across the UK including initiatives being set up in Paisley and Edinburgh. New sites are also being identified in North East Scotland.

The team of Warriors who begin their trek on Wednesday 5th September includes:

  • Claire Hall, regional services manager – Scotland at RICS
  • Melissa Crolla, venue and facilities coordinator at RICS
  • Wilson Smith, head of document exchange (North) at DX Group
  • Mike Liddell, global director positioning & construction support at Fugro
  • Ricky Cheng, property surveyor at Highland Council’s property and architectural services
  • Kyle Houston, estates surveyor for the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
  • Gabriela Mason, quantity surveyor at Robinson Low Francis LLP
  • Kieran Findlay, editor at Scottish Construction Now and Scottish Housing News
  • They are being supported by Richard Burnett from The Property Management Company.

    Mike Liddell said: “I am really looking forward to the personal challenge of spending five days hiking 154 km through the heart of Scotland. However there are a number of young people across the UK who face greater challenges in their daily lives, LandAid can make a difference to them. The generous sponsorship and support we have received will motivate me along this hike.”

    Kieran Findlay said: “Walking the West Highland Way has long been on my bucket list so to do it while raising money for such a fantastic cause will be even more fulfilling. Every penny counts so please give what you can.”

    Paul Morrish, chief executive at LandAid, added: “I was both incredibly pleased and incredibly impressed to hear that Kieran Findlay will be undertaking such a momentous walk all in the name of supporting the Pledge150 campaign. Walking 154km in five days is no mean feat, especially considering the punishing military roads on the West Highland Way.

    “Pledge150 is LandAid’s biggest ever fundraising initiative and will provide at least 150 safe, secure and affordable bed spaces for young people experiencing homelessness across every one of the 12 RICS regions. Here in Scotland, the money raised by Kieran and his fellow walkers will help fund YMCA Glenrothes to create three extra move-on beds for young people leaving their fully supported accommodation.

    “Providing vital support for vulnerable young people in the local area. I’d like to wish Kieran and his fellow walkers the very best of luck, and extend my deepest gratitude for every step he takes on his walk to help end youth homelessness – thank you!”

    To contribute to the team’s fundraising efforts please click here.

    For more information on LandAid click here.

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