Social care charity launches 40th birthday fundraiser

A charity that supports Scots with disabilities and other long-term health conditions has launched a fundraiser to mark its 40th birthday.

Cornerstone, which provides care and support services to around 3000 people across Scotland, was founded in February 1980 with the belief that everyone should be given the opportunity to play an active part in their own community.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was unable to celebrate its anniversary throughout 2020 with the people it supports because of the lockdown restrictions.

A number of its services were also forced to close due to Covid-19.

The charity said: “The prospect of further austerity measures presents real, quality of life challenges to the people we support, coupled with a linked increase in feelings of loneliness and isolation.

“Support from the local community would help keep the people the charity supports connected to the people, hobbies and interests that they care about during lockdown, and beyond.”

In response to the pandemic and in celebration of its 40th anniversary, Cornerstone has now launched a ’40 miles for 40 years of care’ fundraiser.

The charity is challenging participants to raise £100 each by running, walking, cycling or even space-hopping 40 miles in their local area during the month of February.

Louise Baxter, founding trustee and wife of Cornerstone’s late founder Nick Baxter, said: “Every year, since 1980, has been a milestone in Cornerstone’s journey, taking the charity from nothing to supporting 3000 people with disabilities across Scotland.

“Your challenge whether it’s walking, cycling or running helps to ensure Cornerstone will be there for the next 40 years.

“Every single pound that you raise will be expressed in Cornerstone’s work to promote human dignity, lust for life, enjoyment and a better quality of life for people with disabilities and their families.”

To take part, email getinvolved@cornerstone.org.uk or click here for more information.