Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On September 15th I’ll be doing the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, from Musselburgh to Murrayfield, to raise funds for The Polar Academy. They are an extraordinary and quite unique organisation in Scotland who work with 13–18-year-olds with mental health challenges or lacking self-esteem and confidence. Or, as they put it: the “invisible” kids. They are the shy or awkward ones that struggle with their confidence or may simply be struggling to fit in. They may be victims of bullying, have anxiety, depression or have suffered bereavement.

The Polar Academy give them an intensive 1-year physical and mental training programme culminating in a truly unbelievable, sledge-hauling polar expedition in Greenland, which changes the mindset of the young people as well as their families, schools, communities, and positively impacts the local economy.

Why am I trying to raise money for The Polar Academy? Well, after a pretty tough year, my daughter Ella was one of 15 kids chosen from Dalkeith High School for the 2024/25 programme (they work with 2 schools from across Scotland each year), and she was later selected to be one of the 10-strong expedition team. I’ve been totally blown away by every aspect of the organisation. Even at this early stage the positive impact is already starting to show. It can change the mindset of the young people as well as their families, schools, communities, and positively impacts the local economy.

A vital part of the process is to raise funds.The expedition inevitably takes place in extreme conditions; The kids are trained, capable and leading this extreme expedition themselves. They are on the ice, making their own decisions and taking responsibility for themselves and their team. They connect with climate change because they prepare in every aspect from clothing and equipment to cold chamber training for big sub-zero temperatures. Clearly these are all things that have a cost: having the right equipment is crucial, so we are aiming to raise as much money as we possibly can.

Thanks for taking the time to read. Anything you can donate would be hugely appreciated.

David