Corporate support is invaluable for us as it can feed into so much of the work we do and helps us to raise awareness of epilepsy within the workplace.

Each year, we get to know brilliant businesses including Tigers Group who reached out to us this year to ask about taking part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk.

Tigers Group are an organisation based in Glasgow who exists to inspire and support people to develop their infinite potential.

Aisling Bent, Health and Wellness Co-ordinator at Tigers Group got in touch to let us know they would like to sign up for the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in memory of their colleague Richard who sadly passed away in 2020 and worked for the company for 16 years.

The organisation had a team of 31 walkers sign up to take part in the Kiltwalk and raised over £3,000.

They said: “As a team, we came together and decided to raise awareness in memory of our colleague Richard who passed away unexpectedly two years ago.

He was a great guy who would have done anything for anybody. He remains a big presence within our company.”

We asked what they feel is the best thing about doing a challenge as part of a team.

“I think teams training together is a great idea as you can support each other in times when it becomes tough, team members will take it in turns to pick each other up when you might be thinking about quitting.

To share a journey with your team is a great way to share and be accountable for the challenges ahead.”

Physical and mental health

Aisling also said: “I loved taking part in the Kiltwalk as I am very much into maintaining my health and fitness and as the Health and Wellness Co-ordinator for Tigers, part of my job is encouraging the team to look after their physical and mental health.

After losing Richard it was very important to support the team through the difficult times and coming together as a team to bring awareness of Epilepsy Scotland is very much our aim.

As a relationship lead organisation, we support and develop our mental health with exercise and meditation among other activities so creating a team seemed like the natural thing to do.

It was a great opportunity to build the relationship between the three businesses within the group and I would recommend doing this, or something similar, to all businesses, if they have the capacity to do so. It helps in so many different areas.”

Taking on the Mighty Stride

We went along to meet with the team on the day to cheer them over the start line, everyone was very excited/nervous about taking on the Mighty Stride which is a distance of 21.3miles.

Bags were packed full of snacks, blister plasters were on along with the kilts!

The team were also carrying a beautiful flag with a photo of Richard on the front so when things got tough they were reminded why they signed up.

The team completed the challenge and said that the day was quite emotional but they were delighted they had crossed the finish line as a team and were very proud of what they have achieved.

One team member told us: “It was a great day to spend with my colleagues. I feel I got to know them a bit more in-depth and it felt like a family day out.

I loved that we took advantage of every stop at the walk, the well-deserved snacks and the supporters cheering us up really helped. The last miles were the hardest, but I enjoyed that we always stayed together.

The energy and celebrations at the end definitely took all the pain away. It was rewarding to get your medal, warm food, energetic music, and finally be able to sit down and rest altogether.”

Laura Devennie: Director of People and Culture told us: “We all had a fantastic day. It was good to connect with everyone and raise money for Epilepsy Scotland in memory of Richard.

He was and still is, a huge part of our business. Just as we were approaching the finish line a rainbow appeared which we were taking as a sign from Richard spurring us on.”

Advice for other companies

When asked if they would recommend it to other companies, Tigers told us:

“If you have the opportunity to collaborate with a charity do not hesitate and just do it. It was so rewarding to walk and do the kiltwalk challenge, but it was even more impactful knowing our steps were creating social impact.”

Aisling suggests: “Sign up, invite teams members to join in and set challenges. Chat via WhatsApp, or similar, to keep the spirit going and keep the team updated.

Most of all I’d say pick a charity and do it. The team spirit is amazing and it’s a great team building exercise.

We are still talking about the day and sharing our experiences with the wider team and now we have more wanting to experience it with us the next time.”

Corporate support

It’s great to hear how the team enjoyed the 2022 Edinburgh Kiltwalk. It was such a lovely tribute and Richard’s family would be so proud. Thank you again for all your incredible dedication and support.

If you work for an organisation and would like to put a team together for a challenge or fundraising event, we would love to hear from you!

Corporate support is very much appreciated, and we have lots to offer your company too including epilepsy training, Epilepsy Friendly Awards, corporate team days in our SPIFOX Wellbeing garden, volunteer opportunities, and also tickets to our fundraising dinners.

If this sounds of interest, please get in touch today for a chat by emailing fundraising@epilepsyscotland.org.uk

If you would like to read more about the fantastic work of Tigers Group, please click here.