Aberdeenshire Provost races to raise money for STV Appeal
Aberdeenshire Provost Jill Webster is pushing herself to the limit this week with two new challenges to raise money for the STV Appeal.
Provost Webster will begin the Provost’s Challenge tomorrow when she sets off from Dyce along the scenic Formartine and Buchan Way.
The STV Appeal, now in its fourth year, focuses on children and young people affected by poverty in Scotland and Provost Webster is hoping to smash her fundraising total from last year which saw her raise over £5,000 for the appeal.
The Formartine and Buchan Way, which follows the tracks of the former Formartine and Buchan Railway, opened for walkers and cyclists in the early 1990s.
Along the route, which passes through Newmachar, Udny Station, Ellon and Maud before reaching Fraserburgh, Provost Webster will take in many places of interest which highlight the beauty of the Aberdeenshire outdoors including Strichen Stone Circle, Aden Country Park and Deer Abbey.
Provost Webster will then take part in a stock car race on the final day of the season at Crimond Raceway on Sunday, October 5.
Crimond Raceway is the most northerly stock car track in the United Kingdom and has been the starting place of many a driver’s career, including that of former Formula One world champion driver Jim Clark.
The Provost has a self-proclaimed love of the outdoors and adventure, but says these activities will be a real challenge.
She said: “The STV Appeal is a very worthwhile cause which has already made a fantastic contribution to many projects supporting young people across Scotland, including Aberdeenshire.
“I wanted to do something that put me outside of my comfort zone, in the hope of raising as much money as possible.
“This is also a great opportunity to highlight the variety of exciting outdoor activities available in Aberdeenshire and an excellent way to see some of the region’s beautiful landscapes.”
Ami Anderson of STV Appeal said: “It’s fantastic that Provost Webster is taking on this impressive fundraising effort to help children affected by poverty in Scotland and we wish her all the best in her challenge.
“The STV Appeal 2014 is well underway with fundraising activity taking place all over the country and a week of engaging programming coming up in October.
“With communities across Scotland getting behind the STV Appeal to help raise funds and awareness, we hope to make 2014 our best year yet.”
Chairman of Crimond Raceway, Bill Barrack, said: “We cannot wait to welcome Provost Webster to Crimond.
“Stock car racing can be a nerve-wracking experience but races have been taking place here for decades and she is in safe hands.
“I think Provost Webster will really enjoy herself and I hope that her commitment inspires lots of people to donate to such a great cause.”
Donations can be made via the Provost’s JustGiving webpage: ://www.justgiving.com/ProvostsChallenge2014/
Both the Provost’s fundraising efforts and the challenge itself can be followed on Twitter using @ProvostAbdnshre
The STV Appeal raises money for children and young people affected by poverty in Scotland.
It was launched in 2011 and in its first three years raised £5.6 million, making 198 large and small grants to projects across all 32 local authority areas in Scotland and providing much needed support to over 29,000 children.
For more information go to http://www.stv.tv/appeal/