Over the last five years, Courage on the Catwalk has been a major event for the charity, seeing hundreds of women take to the stage to raise money and awareness, and for the first time it’s time for the men to shine.
Bill Hendry, 66, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in January 2011 and after six months of intensive treatment he returned to work for Sport Aberdeen in September 2011.
He has worked at Sport Aberdeen’s Beach Leisure Centre for over 15 years, saying being surrounded by positive people in an exciting environment, mixing with people from all across the city helps to keep him energised’.
Every penny raised from BRAVE and Courage on the Catwalk, held at The Beach Ballroom, will go directly into helping make North-east cancer and haematology care the best it can be for those receiving treatment at the ANCHOR Unit, ARI.
Speaking ahead of the event Bill said:
“It is a real pleasure to be taking part in this event with the 23 other inspirational men – and of course all the women taking part in Courage on the Catwalk. We are doing this to raise awareness and money, and every penny raised through BRAVE and Courage on the Catwalk goes straight to help the cause.
“I am now back at work and in remission, using my days off to attend ongoing appointments at ARI. Working at Sport Aberdeen’s Beach Leisure Centre and being surrounded by youngsters really keeps me feeling young and energised. “
Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Operations and Asset Development, Keith Gerrard, praised Bill’s effort:
“We’re all in awe of the strength with which Bill has shown in beating this life-changing illness. Sport Aberdeen is 110% behind him as he raises money for Anchor and awareness of the work undertaken by the charity.”
Bill’s story:
“After being successfully treated by the most amazing doctors and staff here in Aberdeen, the cancer came back in 2015. That was two years ago and I am currently taking part in medical research trials and taking a new experimental drug. When I was asked whether I would like to take part in the trial I said yes straight away, it was a no-brainer, I didn’t want to lose my hair again!
The team that treated me in Aberdeen were fantastic, I really can’t speak highly enough of them.
I am now back at work and in remission, using my days off to attend ongoing appointments at ARI. Working at Sport Aberdeen’s Beach Leisure Centre and being surrounded by youngsters really keeps me feeling young and energised.
If you had told me five years ago that I would be taking part in a catwalk and learning poses and half-turns, I would have laughed and bet you a lot of money that that would never happen!
But here we are. There are 24 of us taking part in the Brave show all together, this is the first year us men have been involved in the fundraising event. We range in age from 18 to 79 years old, but we are all set on raising money and having great fun at the event.
We have had several rehearsals in the run-up. Premier Productions have been putting us through our paces and its brilliant, so professional!
“Nothing gets me down. My slogan for the Brave catwalk is simple: Be positive, fight cancer.”
It is a real pleasure to be taking part in this event with the 23 other inspirational men – and of course all the women taking part in Courage on the Catwalk. We are doing this to raise awareness and money, and every penny goes straight to help the cause.
I have been married for 39 years and the support my wife and daughter, who volunteers at Courage on the Catwalk, have given me over the years is truly heart-warming. I want to raise awareness and money for the next generation, for the next person to fall ill to this disease and the families that support them.
This is such an important event. Every single penny raised will go towards building a new unit which will help so many people in the future, and help the incredible team of doctors and nurses in Aberdeen to carry on the life-saving work they carry out every day.”
Eilish Brodie and Zoe Lennox, who are both studying for an BA in Media at the local university, took part in a 12-week placement for their third year where they filmed a series of videos.
Projects included the innovative ‘Social Stories’ videos, created in partnership with Me Too!, as a means of familiarising customers with additional support needs with Sport Aberdeen venues prior to use in order to break down barriers to participation in sport.
The placement is part of Sport Aberdeen’s ongoing partnership with RGU to provide students with opportunities to experience the world of work. This year the placement programme was expanded following the success of the Aberdeen Youth Games project organised by Sport Aberdeen Active Schools in partnership with RGU and North East Scotland College.
Both students requested to be taken on for the 12-week placement with Sport Aberdeen after producing work for the registered charity as part of a previous course.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen Business Development Director Jill Franks said:
“Eilish and Zoe have made an enormous contribution to the success of Sport Aberdeen’s online presence with their creative and professional videos.
“They are an asset to Robert Gordon University, who I know will be proud of the impact their students are having in the community. Sport Aberdeen is committed to becoming the employer of choice for those seeking a career in the leisure industry.
“It is increasingly important and valuable for students to gain experience within a real working environment and we are delighted to support this.”
Izzy Crawford, Subject Leader for Media, Public Relations and Journalism said:
“We are incredibly proud of Eilish and Zoe who have shown outstanding professionalism and competence on placement. RGU Media students combine business and creativity to help employers achieve their goals.”
Eilish Brodie said:
“This placement was undertaken as part of a client-based project with Sport Aberdeen. Not only has it been beneficial to find out more about what the organisation does for the local community but the opportunity to apply my theoretical knowledge from university as well as my own practical skills has been incredibly rewarding.”
The course, which is being delivered in partnership with Sport Aberdeen and AFC Community Trust, will be hosted on the popular Hazlehead leisure complex on the redeveloped pitch & putt course.
Sport Aberdeen Chairman Fred Dalgarno today joined Dons football players Mark Reynolds and Peter Pawlett, AFC Community Trust mascot Donny the Sheep, Sport Aberdeen mascot McMurtle the Turtle and pupils from Hazlehead Primary as they marked the launch of the new course.
A crossover of two of the UK’s most popular pastimes, footgolf has fast become one of the most popular new sports sweeping the nation.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Operations and Asset Development, Keith Gerrard said:
“We are very excited to have launched the first footgolf course in the North-east. The beauty of this sport is that anyone can take part and have a great time.
“All you need to do to take part is turn up and book your spot at the starters box. Introductory prices will see one round of footgolf cost only £2.95 per adult and, weather permitting, the course will be offered on a year round basis.
“This is a brilliant example of partnership working to bring innovative opportunities for the local community to have fun and get active.”
Steven Sweeney, community operations manager for AFCCT, said:
“This is a great new initiative and a fun alternative for all to get active, combining a love of football and golf.
“AFCCT are looking forward to raising awareness of the project and introducing more people to get active.
“Thanks to Sport Aberdeen for driving this fantastic project forward, it is always a pleasure for AFCCT to work in partnership with them.”
By day, lawyers at Aberdein Considine, Bon Accord Crescent, but by night (and the Baker Hughes 10k) they are superheroes fighting dementia through raising money.
A team of nine from the main Aberdeen office will take on the challenge in full superhero attire. The popular Baker Hughes Running Festival, now in its 30th year, raises tens of thousands of pounds in support of worthy causes.
Today Alzheimer Scotland said superheroes like the Aberdein Considine squad have a massive impact on charities and allow us to continue to support those living with the diagnosis.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development Jill Franks said:
“Every year the Baker Hughes 10K Running Festival sees thousands of everyday heroes challenge themselves to raise money for good causes.
“While the general entries are closed it’s not too late to get your cape on and fight for your favourite charity.”
Andrea Watt, Alzheimer Scotland Community Fundraiser said:
“We are thrilled that Aberdein Considine have chosen to support people living with dementia across the region by taking part in this well-established racing event.
“All money raised supports the work of the Dementia Resource Centre, King Street, Aberdeen, offering advice and support to those living with dementia and their families.
“3500 people in Aberdeen, and 4300 in Aberdeenshire are currently living with dementia and this figure is set to double in 20 years.
“Fundraising supports the work of our Dementia advisors, our 24-hour helpline, Dementia Nurse Consultants and the Resource Centres. Without event’s such as the Baker Hughes 10K we could not continue to support people living with dementia.”
Denise Elrick, Legal Secretary at Aberdein Considine, also commented:
“With great power comes great responsibility. We are all gearing up for the 10K challenge. Doing something like this for a deserving cause makes it more worthwhile.
“Our aim is to try to highlight the fantastic work Alzheimer Scotland carries out and of course raise some funds for them in the process.”
Runners can still sign up to the race for one the affiliated charities until Friday 28th April. Find out more here.
Eleven-year-old Daisy Rennie’s design was picked from more than 100 entries sent into the competition run by Deeside Mineral Water, an official partner of the Baker Hughes 10K Running Festival.
The winning design will be printed onto the label appearing on the 15,000 water bottles that will be handed out on race day, Sunday 14th May. Daisy will also be invited to officially start the 10k road race.
This year marks the 30th year of the North East’s well-established road race organised by registered charity Sport Aberdeen in partnership with Baker Hughes. Young people from schools across Aberdeen were asked to design labels which focus on the importance of staying hydrated.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen’s Director of Business Development Jill Franks said:
“Sport Aberdeen would like to offer its congratulations to Daisy, and sincere thanks to all of the children who took part in this fun competition. So much imagination went into the designs and theme.
“I’d also like to thank Deeside Mineral Water for supporting us for the second year.
“There’s been such a positive buzz about the Baker Hughes 10k Running Festival, now in its 30thyear. It’s not too late to sign up and get involved.”
Martin Simpson, Managing Director of Deeside Mineral Water commented:
“We were impressed by the quality of entries we received this year. There were some really innovative designs and it was great fun to judge.
“We look forward to inviting Daisy to the Deeside Mineral Water factory to see her label design being applied to the bottles we will produce for participants of the race.”
Registered charity Sport Aberdeen, in partnership with AFCCT, run the Everybody Active Football Team for people with additional support needs. Everybody Active, facilitated by Sport Aberdeen is an exciting and extensive programme aimed at opening up sport and physical activity to adults with a learning disability.
Fourteen players were joined by their coaches, supporters and family at the match where everyone enjoyed an exciting first half, which saw the Don’s go 4-0 up with a flurry of goals. The team got the chance to take to the pitch themselves at half time where they played two small sided games, led by their coaches Andy Will and Scott Duncan from AFCCT.
For the players, many of whom are Aberdeen FC fans, the chance to play at Pittodrie in front of a 10,500 strong crowd was a once in a lifetime experience. Everyone did themselves proud with some excellent play, Adam Rooney certainly wasn’t the only player to score a hat-trick in the stadium on the night!
The final score saw a 7-2 win for Aberdeen making it the highest scoring match of the 2016/ 17 domestic season. An action packed night for all.
Everybody Active Football sessions are open to male and female players aged 16 years and over with a physical, sensory or learning disability. Sessions take place at Sheddocksley Sports Centre on Fridays from 1:30 – 3pm during school term time. In addition to weekly training, the players have the opportunity to play in local and national festivals and tournaments.
For more information, please contact Andrinne Craig on ACraig@sportaberdeen.co.uk or 01224 047926
Aberdeen-based Team Zariba, has benefited from support from Sport Aberdeen at Linx Ice Arena for a number of years. This is set to be extended as Team Zariba was selected to represent Team GB at the international championship being held in Colorado Spring, USA in April this year.
Sport Aberdeen today revealed that it is pledging two hours additional ice time every week at the Ice Arena and a further 15 hours land based training per week at the Beach Leisure Centre to Team Zariba to enable it to prepare for the championships. This is in addition to the 5.25 hours ice time the Synchornized Club currently has at Sport Aberdeen’s popular Linx Ice Arena.
Team Zariba is currently seeking to raise £25,000 through crowdfunding to support the entry in the championships.
Commenting, Sport Aberdeen Director of Operations and Asset Development, Keith Gerrard, said:
“Sport Aberdeen has been a long-standing supporter of Team Zariba. We’re delighted to reveal that we are pledging even more ice time at our Linx Ice Arena venue to enable the team to prepare.
“We are committed to supporting local talent because we know of the powerful impact it can have inspiring others to take part in sport and physical activity. Every bit of support can make a massive difference.
“I know that the city will rally behind our ice superstars ahead of their World Championships. Sport Aberdeen wishes them every success and urges everyone to do what they can to support them on the road to Colorado.”
Team Zariba coach Sara Paterson said:
“We are hugely grateful to Sport Aberdeen who have supported us from the beginning of our journey. The programmed 5.25 hours of ice training each week has helped us to where we are today and meant that we can continue training for the world championships whilst remaining with our families and local community. This is in itself is a huge benefit.
“We hope that people from across the city will give what they can as we prepare to represent Team GB in the USA in April.”
Lewis McCue, a former Robert Gordon University student who has represented Great Britain at the World Rowing Championship, today joined members of the Active Aberdeen Partnership (AAP) and volunteers from the Street Tennis Programme at an event at RGU Sport to highlight the importance of the scheme.
The AAP is committed to making Aberdeen the most active city in Scotland by 2020, and manages the Community Grants Scheme open to talented athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and community sport within the city.
Previous alumni of the scheme have also included gymnast Orianne Slater, Aberdeen Amateur Athletics Club and Denis Law Legacy Trust.
Speaking at the event at RGU Sport, AAP Chairperson Tony Dawson said:
“The Active Aberdeen Partnership is committed to making Aberdeen the most active city in Scotland by 2020. We recognise that participation in sport and physical activity is driven by a whole host of talented individuals and groups, which is why I’d urge everyone with an interest to take a look at the scheme and consider applying.
“The next deadline is the 17th March and then there will be a further four deadlines to apply for throughout 2017. Whether you are a coach or a volunteer, an athlete or a community sports group, the Community Sports Grants scheme is an opportunity to make a positive and lasting impact on the health and social wellbeing of people in Aberdeen.”
Lewis McCue added:
“The Active Aberdeen Partnership Grants have been vital in allowing me with finial support to train and compete at the level I did. Coming from a working family in Aberdeen rowing was an expensive sport and through support from AAP I was able to compete at 5 world championships and represent my country.”
The afternoon was a terrific success with over 50 attendees including people living with dementia, carers and friends. After such a positive turn-out there is talk of turning Boogie at the Bar into a regular event with The Foundry already pledging to host in the future.
Boogie at the Bar is supported by Marks & Spencer Bank, Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust and Alzheimer’s Scotland alongside the Active Aberdeen Partnership.
The bar was open for refreshments with tea, coffee and soup provided by the Foundry. Sandwiches and light snacks were generously provided by Marks & Spencer Bank.
Sport Aberdeen Director for Sport and Active Lifestyles Jo Bell said:
“This is a wonderful opportunity for people with dementia to enjoy a relaxed boogie and it is my hope that this will become a regular event in the future.
“This is a brilliant example of partnerships, both new and existing, coming together to break down barriers and allow a wider range of people to enjoy social activities.
“Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities and changing lives and this is only made possible by continued support and collaboration.”
Sarah Geoghegan, Dementia Advisor at Alzheimer Scotland added:
“There are lots of people living with dementia in our community who can still lead a full and active life, including several younger people who have a diagnosis.
“We want to ensure that activities and services reflect the varying needs and interests of people living with the condition.
“The Boogie in the Bar idea came from someone who is living with Alzheimers. We are so pleased to see to see so many different organisations come together to hopefully make this a regular event.”
Helen Stone, Bank Manager at M&S Bank in Aberdeen said:
“The whole team here at M&S Bank in Aberdeen are thrilled to be involved with the ‘Boogie in the Bar’ event which has been developed to provide a fun, social afternoon for local people affected by dementia.
“We are all accredited Dementia Friends and already involved with Alzheimer’s Scotland but we were keen to do more, especially with the local Dementia Resource Centre. So, in conjunction with M&S and other local businesses, we’re helping local people with dementia to have a drink, a bite to eat and a dance, all in a safe, social environment – we hope it will become a regular event for all to attend.”
For more information please contact Paula Bisset, Development Officer (Active Lifestyles) on 01224 047923 or pbisset@sportaberdeen.co.uk
The Active Girls Committee, comprised of 15 pupils from nine different schools in Aberdeen is one of the first of its kind in Scotland.
The girls have pledged to work together to get more girls active across city, and signed the Book of Agreement which they created for the Committee to follow in this pursuit.
Figures reported by Active Schools both nationally and locally in Aberdeen have shown that the level of girls’ participation in extracurricular sport tends to drop over the course of their time at secondary school.
The initiative has been facilitated by Active Schools Aberdeen, part of registered charity Sport Aberdeen.
The group, led by young girls for young girls, is now planning a year of events aimed at boosting girl’s participation in sport and physical activity.
Sport Aberdeen’s Director for Sport and Active Lifestyles, Jo Bell, said:
“This pioneering initiative is led by girls to empower more girls to take part in sport and physical activity. We’ve been simply blown away by their creativity, camaraderie and confidence.
“Sport Aberdeen is committed to creating opportunities for more people to take part in sport and physical activity. Aberdeen’s Active Girls Committee is testament to our approach which puts power in the hands of participants so that they can shape programmes which work for them.”
Active Girls Committee Chairperson, Aimee Work, an S2 pupil at Hazlehead Academy said:
“It is essential that girls and women participate in sport as it is a way to gain confidence and socialise with people around you. A survey I read stated that when girls go through their teenage stages, half quit sports and activities, due to a lack of confidence.
“This is where the Active Girls Committee come in. We are looking forward to getting girls not just involved in sports specifically, but strengthening them as individuals, so that they can find themselves and feel great about themselves.
“I am so grateful to be the Chair of the Active Girls Committee as every single one of us all have the same ambitions and look forward to working together to achieve them.”