Marathon fundraiser raises over £10,000 for Capability Scotland’s inclusive community project
A fundraiser has raised more than £10,000 for Capability Scotland’s Our Inclusive Community Project after completing four Edinburgh Marathon Festival events in one weekend.
Micaela Church ran 78km across two days, taking on the 5km and 10km events on the Saturday before completing the half marathon and full marathon on the Sunday.
The challenge was completed in support of Capability Scotland’s plans to create a new inclusive community in Perth, which will replace Upper Springland, the charity’s long-standing residential facility.
Upper Springland has supported disabled people from across Scotland for more than 40 years, but the site faces a significant flooding risk that threatens its long-term future.
The new Our Inclusive Community Project will provide modern, purpose-built facilities designed to support people with complex care needs. Plans for the development include a specialist hydrotherapy pool, which Capability Scotland says will be an important feature for residents and service users.
Micaela’s brother Matthew, who lives at Upper Springland, requires round-the-clock specialist care. She said the support provided by staff at the site had made a significant difference to her family.
Micaela commented: “The team at Upper Springland have taken the time to truly understand Matthew, his needs, his anxieties and the things that bring him joy.
“Knowing he is safe and genuinely cared for gives our whole family peace of mind. That’s what I’m running for.”
Ailsa Wallace, Head of Fundraising & Communications at Capability Scotland, said: “What Micaela is taking on is extraordinary — both the physical challenge and the dedication behind it.
“Upper Springland has served people from across Scotland for over 40 years. The OICP will ensure that exceptional care continues in a modern, purpose-built environment that truly reflects it, and fundraising like this brings that future one step closer.”
Capability Scotland’s Our Inclusive Community Project has previously been featured by THIIS. The charity says fundraising will play an important role in helping to deliver the new site and ensure continuity of specialist care for disabled people in Perth and across Scotland.
