When Ella Dawson was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Leukaemia in her early twenties she discovered that wellbeing support tailored towards the unique needs of young adults with cancer in the UK was limited. She then set out to shape a blueprint of how young adults with cancer could be better supported holistically.

This included guidance on eating well to support recovery, finding safe and manageable ways of keeping fit and active, introducing mindful practices such as yoga, meditation, journaling, and complimentary therapies into everyday life. Ella was also driven to support and connect with other young people going through the same lived experience. Ella saw this as vital to help her withstand 2 years of gruelling treatment as well as allowing her to thrive and live happily every single day despite her challenging diagnosis.

After her tragic death in 2021, Ella’s family, Jane and Kevin Dawson and Ella’s sister Tasha founded the charity to continue Ella’s work. Now, The Ella Dawson Foundation works alongside a team of experts to enable young adults, aged 18-30 yrs old, and their families and carers access tailored psychological, physical, nutritional and wellbeing support packages unique to their needs at any stage of their cancer diagnosis within a safe, supporting, likeminded and rapidly growing community.

The Buccleuch Property Challenge will take place on Friday 5th September at Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries and Galloway. The six-hour team building corporate adventure race sees teams from across the property industry compete against each other for the trophy, whilst at the same time raising much needed funds for the Ella Dawson Foundation. Up to 80 teams of 3 people will compete in three categories – mixed, men’s and women’s.

The popular annual event is highly recognised within the industry for being a test of fitness, stamina and mental capacity with a range of outdoor pursuits including running, mountain biking, orienteering and surprise activities. Previous events have included paddle boarding, kayaking, obstacle courses and Highland Games; the course and activities change each year and are only revealed on the day.

Now in its 17th year, the Challenge has raised over £215,000 since it was established, helping a variety of charities, such as Childline, Ovarian Cancer Action, Borders Children’s Charity, Horse Time and Chris’s House.

David Peck, managing director at Buccleuch Property, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have selected the Ella Dawson Foundation as our Charity partner for 2025 and were hugely impressed with their unique and highly important proposition and how much they have achieved in just a few years. With the help of all those involved in the Challenge we really hope to raise a meaningful sum to help them build on their work and be able to help more young people and their families affected by cancer.”

Jane Dawson, Ella’s mum and founder of The Ella Dawson Foundation, said: “We are incredibly grateful to be chosen as the charity partner for the Buccleuch Property Challenge 2025. This opportunity will enable us to reach more young adults with cancer and provide them with the support they need to live well during and after treatment.

“The amazing Buccleuch Challenge is such a brilliant event that brings people together in a fun and positive way to achieve something truly meaningful. Ella believed strongly in the power of community and positive wellbeing practices, and we are proud to continue her mission through this partnership.’’

The Scottish Housing News Charity Spotlight feature highlights the vital work of charities across Scotland each Friday. To include your local charity, whether housing-related or not, send your story and images to us at newsdesk@scottishnews.com.