Runners, walkers and cyclists invited to #LockdownToTroon to exercise next Wednesday in aid of children’s charities
All monies raised will be split equally between Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity
Next Wednesday’s #LockdownToTroon is promising one big social media party for Glasgow’s children – and now fun runners, walkers and cyclists are being invited to join in the fun.
With this year’s annual outing to Troon cancelled, organisers are holding a special “Lockdown To Troon” today Wednesday, 17 June to bring all the joy of the trip online so more than 300 children who would have gone on the trip don’t completely miss out.
Now anyone doing their daily exercise is being invited to add to the celebration, by dedicating their run, walk or cycle next Wednesday to the one-off event. Everyone can join in – from people going short walks to those running or cycling longer distances – by sharing pictures or videos of their fitness ventures that day on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #LockdownToTroon.
As well as joining in the fun – bonus points for fancy dress! – those who can afford to are encouraged to donate to a fundraising page which will split all monies raised between the Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
The three easy steps for anyone joining in are:
1. EXERCISE: on Wednesday 17 June (in fancy dress if you are really up for it)
2. SHARE: Post pictures and videos of your exercise on Facebook and Twitter using #LockdownToTroon
3. DONATE: Click here
Organiser Brian Welsh said: “The Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund do an incredible job every year staging this humbling event for the city’s children. It’s typical of them that they won’t be stopped this year and have committed to the #LockdownToTroon party next Wednesday.
“I know so many people who love the ethos of the trip and a big percentage of them will be out running, walking and cycling next Wednesday anyway so it made sense to combine the two. It will hopefully add even more colour to #LockdownToTroon as well as raising money for two great causes who won’t be finding fundraising easy right now. Everyone’s welcome – it should be a happy day.”
Background:
The 75th annual Glasgow Taxi outing to Troon was due to take place one week today – Wednesday, 17 June – however was cancelled back in March following the Covid-19 outbreak. However the charity behind the famous trip, determined that the children don’t miss out, announced a special “Lockdown To Troon” event which will see all the colour, fun and excitement shared on social media for one year only.
They are asking taxi drivers, families, school staff, volunteers and members of the public to send their pictures, videos and memories of past outings, or messages of support, in advance to be shared on the day. Drivers can also dress up themselves or their taxis for the day if they wish, to help put smiles on the faces of the 300+ young people with additional support needs who would normally make the trip to Ayrshire and back.
Stephen Lalley, Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund treasurer, said: “We have created this one-off, fun event so everyone can get involved and help these young people forget about the disappointment of not going to Troon this year. Everyone can take part from home – just send pictures, a short video, a selfie or a message – and help fill the day with fun, colour and happiness.”
Anyone wishing to join in the fun should use WeTransfer.com to email their pictures or videos to admin@gtof.org.uk. These will be shared on the Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund’s Facebook and Twitter pages on the day (17 June) from 10am until 4pm which people can also follow via the hashtag #LockdownToTroon. Those contributing in advance are asked to send their content by Wednesday, 10 June if possible.
In addition, the Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund have also announced they will host a party in each of the schools where children missed out going to Troon. These will take place when schools return with arrangements made to determine when is the best and safest time for them to take place while respecting the guidelines and ‘new normal’. All entertainment and catering will be provided by the Outing Fund charity.
For more information visit www.gtof.org.uk
