Befriend a Child is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with a very special challenge from one of its own team members.
Senior family support coordinator Louise Coleman has taken on the incredible task of walking 50 miles every month throughout 2025 to raise vital funds for the Aberdeen-based charity.
Befriend a Child supports children and young people growing up in difficult life circumstances across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Through its 1:1 befriending and mentoring programmes, youth club sessions and through Louise’s family support project, Befriend a Child is able to provide practical and emotional support to help children and their families build resilience, improve wellbeing and create brighter futures.
Louise, who works directly with the families of befriended and mentored children, knows first-hand the difference this support makes: “Through my role, I see the incredible difference Befriend a Child makes in the lives of the children and families we support. It’s amazing to watch young people grow in confidence, build trusting relationships and discover new experiences and opportunities.
"I often meet families facing a range of challenges, and it’s inspiring to see how, with the right support, they can strengthen their resilience, take positive steps forward and make informed decisions about their lives and futures. Fundraising plays such a vital part in making this possible, by ensuring we can continue to offer that life-changing support to even more children and families.”
Louise and her dog Marshall.
Louise’s determination is especially inspiring given her own journey. In 2022, she experienced a heart attack and spent a year recovering with the support of the Cardio Rehab team at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. To stay motivated, and give back to causes close to her heart, she set herself a series of fitness challenges. Now, as Befriend a Child continues to mark its 50th year, Louise has been walking 50 miles every month throughout 2025 to celebrate this incredible milestone whilst raising vital funds for the charity.
Louise has currently raised £365, having conquered an impressive 628.08 miles and climbed an astonishing 21 peaks since the start of the year, including Brimmond Hill, Mither Tap and her highest, Carn a’ Gheoidh at 976 meters. With only the last remaining months of the year to go, the team at Befriend a Child are cheering her on every last step of the way.
Sarah Misra, CEO at Befriend a Child, said: “Louise embodies the spirit of Befriend a Child with her ongoing dedication, compassion and resilience that inspires us all. Her commitment to this challenge not only raises much-needed funds but also shines a light on the incredible work our staff do every day.”
Befriend a Child has been supporting local children and families for five decades, but demand for services continues to grow. Louise’s fundraising challenge will help ensure the charity can reach even more young people who need support, encouragement and positive role models.
The end of the year may be fast approaching, but that doesn’t mean you or your organisation can’t still get involved in Befriend a Child’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Like Louise, you can show your support by taking on a challenge of your choice for the charity, donating towards their Future Friendships campaign or sharing your personal story of Befriend a Child’s impact on your life or work.
To find out more, head here https://www.befriendachild.org.uk/celebrating-50-years-of-friendships/
Or if you would like to donate towards Louise’s challenge, please visit here - https://www.justgiving.com/page/louise-coleman-1733216848025