Putting their best foot forward for The Glad Foundation

Rachel Smillie, founding director of The Glad Cafe, and The Glad Foundation; Joe Smillie, founding director and venue manager of The Glad Cafe; Rory Haye, project manager at The Glad Foundation; River City actor Tom Urie, and Iona Smillie have all teamed to take part in the Kiltwalk in April.

The Extra caught up with the team to find out the inspiration behind taking part and how the training is going...

What inspired you to take part in the Kiltwalk?

Rachel: I came across the Kiltwalk when looking for ways to raise funds for the Glad Foundation. I thought it looked like an excellent way to do some fundraising in an enjoyable kind of way – walking is my favourite hobby, and it’s a very companionable thing to do!

Joe: I’m the venue manager at The Glad Cafe. My mum (and boss) signed up to raise funds for The Glad Foundation, the charity we set up alongside The Glad Cafe when we opened almost seven years ago. I thought I better go to look after her and make sure she can manage all 23 miles. I’m joking of course. She’s the more experienced walker and she’ll be propping me up by mile seven.

Rory: The main inspiration has definitely been the opportunity to raise funds to be able to continue providing access to music making for the young people and adults we work with in our groups – the 40 per cent top up to funds raised by the Hunter Foundation is an incredible boost!

Tom: Two things. Firstly I have been on a massive journey of weight loss and fitness over the past couple of years, and I’ve become a bit of a walking addict. Secondly, I love the people at the Glad and I fancied hanging out with them for a day!

Iona: First and foremost, it’s a way to support a charity that is very important to me. It’s also a great opportunity to challenge myself to get fit. Finally, I get to spend a day raising money by hanging out with family and friends – all good!

Has there been any training to get yourselves ready for the event?

Rachel:I walked the 500 mile long Camino Francis to Santiago de Compostela a couple of years ago, so hopefully I’ve still got it in me!

Joe: No! I try to stay mildly fit by running now and then but I’ve got kids and they take up my time when I’m not working.

Rory: Right now I’m definitely in the sweaty, struggling stages of the Rocky training montage, but come the big day... ‘Gonna fly now! Flyin’ high now!’

Tom: I’ve bought a new pair of walking shoes and I’ve been staring intently at them.

Iona: I’ve found my walking boots which is a start... time to dust them off and get out there now!

How is the fundraising going so far?

Rachel: Slowly but surely! We set ourselves a target of £10,000 so we’re hoping the fundraising will gather pace as we get nearer to the date!

Joe: We’re getting there, slowly but surely and once we get closer to the event I’m sure people will be dying to part with their cash!

Rory: Family have been quickest off the mark but I know friends will get behind me as the day draws near!

Tom: In my past experience, it always ramps up a gear as the event gets closer, so I’m hoping people will help as soon as I start obsessively talking about it on social media.

Iona: Having a similar social circle to most of the group makes it a bit more difficult but it’s started OK and hoping it will ramp up as we get closer to the walk!

Visit glasgowkiltwalk2019.everydayhero.com/uk/team-glad to donate. If anyone wants to find out more about The Glad Foundation, or participating, email: [email protected]