Aberdeen-based charity, Gathimba Edwards Foundation (GEF), is proud to announce that its 2025 Safari Series has raised a record-breaking £8,432.34 to support disadvantaged children in North-east Scotland and Kenya.
Now in its fifth year, the series of races has grown year on year since its launch in 2021, and this year has seen the highest ever total raised, surpassing last year’s £6,075.
The 2025 Safari Series, licensed by Scottish Athletics, attracted 603 runners and 130 volunteers across 3 races compared to 340 entrants last year, showing just how much the event has grown.
One of the highlights of the series was the hugely popular Mel’s Union Street Mile, held on the same day as the Celebrate Aberdeen parade which raised £2,861.60. Introduced to Union Street four years ago, the event has quickly become a unique fixture in the city calendar, offering people of all ages and abilities the rare opportunity to race down Aberdeen’s main street while raising vital funds.
Winners of the 2025 Mel’s Mile included:
- Ben Kinnionmouth, fastest male overall took home both the Adult Male Trophy and the prestigious Mel Edwards Trophy.
- Elina Smith, fastest female overall who claimed both the Adult Female Trophy and the Joan Wilson Trophy.
- Nathan Lawson, Secondary 1–6 Boys
- Hayleigh Reid, Secondary 1–6 Girls
- James Gerrard, Primary 3–7 Boys
- Jess Davidson, Primary 3–7 Girls
GEF Co-Founder, Myles Edwards, said: "We are overwhelmed by the incredible support for this year’s Safari Series. Every single runner, volunteer, and sponsor has helped us achieve something really special, and we are so grateful. We’d also like to give huge thanks to Celebrate Aberdeen for welcoming Mel’s Mile as part of the parade once again, it’s such a privilege to be part of this major city event."
David Jamieson, Managing Director of Salus Technical and volunteer at Mel’s Mile, said: "I was delighted to be involved, it’s an event and an entire series that really brings people together. Having taken part before, Mel’s Mile is one of my favourite races, and this year the whole team were proud to be volunteering. We love the work that GEF does and the impact it has both here in the North east and in Kenya. It’s incredibly special to be part of it all.”
Funds raised from the 2025 Safari Series will support education fees for children and contribute to house building projects and counselling services in Kenya, whilst also providing essential equipment and services for disabled children in North east Scotland.
Looking ahead, GEF has already started planning the 2026 Safari Series, with dates for the Duthie Park 5k and 1k, Prime Four 3k and 1k, and Mel’s Union Street Mile set to be confirmed soon. Supporters are encouraged to sign up to the charity’s newsletter via their website to be the first to hear about next year’s dates and the opportunities to get involved.
Since its launch in 2021, the Safari Series has raised over £26,000 in total, helping GEF to continue its mission of providing disadvantaged children with the education, shelter and wellbeing support they need to thrive.
For more information about the charity and opportunities to be part of future house building trips to Kenya or volunteering opportunities locally, visit: https://gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org/