People of all ages across the North-east are being encouraged to step up and make a lasting difference for children with life-limiting conditions, as Charlie House calls on supporters to take part in the upcoming Aberdeen Kiltwalk for the charity.
Taking place on Sunday, June 7, the Aberdeen Kiltwalk is a major fundraising event that challenges participants to don a kilt and choose between two walking routes – the 18-mile Mighty Stride from Banchory to Duthie Park, or the four-mile Wee Wander, which starts in Cults.
Last year’s Aberdeen Kiltwalk saw a record-breaking 6,000 people take part and raise funds for local causes, with a total of £1.2million generated for more than 500 charities across the region.
In 2025, 225 people took part in the Aberdeen Kiltwalk to raise funds for Charlie House, including 15-year-old Josh Mecik, who is returning to tackle the Mighty Stride in June.
Having braved the North-east weather in a very wet and stormy 2025 Aberdeen Kiltwalk for Charlie House, which has supported his sister Ava, Josh is ready to take on the challenge once again.
“I am really proud to take part in the Aberdeen Kiltwalk to raise funds for Charlie House,” he said. “They have done so much to support my sister, Ava, and the rest of my family, so I’m doing the Mighty Stride for a second time to give back to a charity that goes above and beyond for so many.”
Ava (17), who has Lennox Gastaut Syndrome, a rare form of childhood onset epilepsy along with severe learning difficulties, has been hugely supported by Charlie House since the charity was founded.
Josh continued: “We struggle to find activities that can include my sister but every event with Charlie House is accessible to her, and you can see how much she loves being able to get involved by the look on her face.
“I’ve been to more than 100 Charlie House activities now and each and every one is amazing. The Charie House team are always there to help us through whatever we need.
“The feeling of crossing the finish line in last year’s Kiltwalk, knowing that we had done it for Charlie House, was great. Their team was so supportive along the way and being cheered on by them as we reached the checkpoints was so special. I took on the challenge for Charlie House as I wanted to show my appreciation and give something back for all the support we have received, and I look forward to doing it again this year.”
Charlie House was established in 2011 to address the lack of specialist support available locally. Its services include a range of regular fully accessible and inclusive activities, activity short breaks, one to one and family therapeutic support, pre- and post-bereavement support and information and advocacy support.
The services improve the families’ mental health, wellbeing and resilience, helping them maintain positive relationships and enhancing their quality of life while enabling the whole family to enjoy the time they have together, however long or short that may be.
Emma Leiper Finlayson, director of fundraising at Charlie House, said: “Every single step taken on the Aberdeen Kiltwalk for Charlie House does so much to support what we do and will make a massive difference for local families at the most difficult of times.
“Josh’s commitment to walking for Charlie House is truly inspiring, and we are incredibly grateful for his dedication. We hope his enthusiasm will encourage others to select Charlie House as their charity of choice for this year’s Aberdeen Kiltwalk, which will help us to reach even more families who need our support.”
By joining Team Charlie House, walkers will receive a Charlie House t-shirt to wear on the day and will also benefit from dedicated guidance from the Charlie House team, including expert tips, hints and advice to support their fundraising journey.
On the day itself, participants will be cheered on by the Charlie House cheer squad at both the start and finish lines at Bellfield Park in Banchory and Duthie Park in Aberdeen.
Emma added: “The Aberdeen Kiltwalk is an epic challenge and if anyone is thinking about taking part, I would absolutely encourage them to go for it. Whether people take part in the Mighty Stride or the Wee Wander, we are incredibly grateful to everyone who chooses to support Charlie House. The difference this will make to the children and families we support is truly invaluable.”
Registration for the Mighty Stride costs £20 per person, with participants required to be aged 13 or over on the day of the event. Entry to the Wee Wander costs £13 for adults aged 16 and over, and £7 for children aged 5 to 15.
For more information and to sign up to take part in the Aberdeen Kiltwalk for Charlie House, visit https://www.charliehouse.org.uk/challenges/kiltwalk