Scullion LAW are proud to promote a healthy & active workplace
25 September 2019

As a firm we are committed to the community.

We actively encourage our team to be fit and healthy. One of the main ways we do this is by fundraising. 

The two main charities close to our heart are Marie Curie Scotland and Alzheimer Scotland. Over the last few years we have been actively involved with community events to raise money and awareness for these two great causes. Earlier this year a team of us walked 23 miles raising over £2000 for Marie Curie and we have recently completed our 5th successful FREE Will campaign for everyone in Scotland aged over 55 and this has raised a substantial amount of future income to support the hospice. In November a team of us shall be walking over fire for the hospice.

In addition to this we are proud to be a dementia friendly law firm and during World Alzheimer Month, Katie Taylor the local fundraising officer from Alzheimer Scotland came to Scullion LAW to accept £700 raised from our recent fundraising efforts detailed below.

This is the second year we have taken part in the Zip Slide and our first memory walk.

We hope that you enjoy reading our blog.

Diana McLeish community champion at Scullion LAW quotes ‘One of the main ways we as a business achieve a healthy and active work place is by motivating, supporting and encouraging our team to take part in fundraising activities within the community. It is important for us, to prioritise the wellbeing of our team by getting them involved with events out of the office and away from their desks. Fresh air helps to clear the head and fundraising gives a welcome distraction to all by allowing us focus on something really positive. Everyone has the power to make a positive difference to the lives of others. Pushing the team out of their comfort zones to successfully complete a challenge, gives them a sense of pride and achievement which in turn makes them feel great. I am a firm believer that fundraising helps to release endorphins, promotes positive feelings of pride, happiness and joy which is worth celebrating. More people should get involved’.

Story one

Judith Higson our Associate Director and Family Lawyer from Stewartfield in East Kilbride, registered for the zip slide across the River Clyde raising nearly £300 in the process. Prior to the challenge Judith said ‘I am zip lining across the Clyde on 7th September for Alzheimer Scotland. As a dementia friendly solicitor and someone who is ageing fast, together with the fact that I see the struggles of the older generation and worry what the future holds for me, I am doing this zip slide with the intention that the funds go towards further scientific innovations and support for those suffering from Alzheimer’s. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Every penny raised will make a positive difference. Alzheimer Scotland works in the community to ensure that no one faces dementia alone and we as a firm are delighted to be Dementia Friends.’

Post event we interviewed ‘super mum’ Judith and she comments below.

How did fundraising / taking part in the zip slide make you feel?

It felt wonderful to raise funds for this charity and doing the zip slide gave me a great sense of achievement. It was exhilarating and terrifying at the same time!

What did you enjoy most about the experience?

Scullion Law’s commitment to the charity gave me the boost to go ahead. Everyone here supported and encouraged me to be brave and face the fear! Having my family there meant there was no going back as I wanted to show my children what they can do themselves.

Why did you decide to sign up? 
I love an adrenaline charged challenge and wanted to make a positive difference.

What words of encouragement would you give to others thinking of fundraising?
The zip slide was very well organised and whilst it is scary, facing challenges and pushing yourself out of your comfort zones makes you feel proud of yourself!

Image attached of Judith and her daughters.

Story two.

In addition to this, Yvonne Flemming our receptionist in the Hamilton office (who lives in West Craigs but was born and raised in Hamilton, where her mum Joyce still stays) recently completed a 5k charity walk at Hamilton Park Racecourse in aid of Alzheimer Scotland. She walked alongside her mum Joyce and daughter, Lauren (who goes to Calderside Academy).  This was in memory of her gran Ria who had dementia. Image attached of Yvonne with Lauren and Joyce.

Here is Yvonne’s story.

How did ‘taking part’ in the sponsored walk make you feel?
As dementia plays a big part in my family’s history, it was bittersweet to take part in the walk but we never know what the future will bring and if could stop this from happening further down the line by helping to fund research, then every little helps. I may not have raised a whole lot of money for the charity but the event was well attended and hopefully overall a fantastic amount of money was raised. It was great to do the walk with my Mum and Lauren as the 3 of us are all very close.

What did you enjoy most about the experience?
I have a very close relationship with my Mum and Lauren, but likewise Lauren has a very close relationship with her Granny, so it was nice to do something together that didn’t involve the humdrum of normal life ie. School run or shopping. My husband and son (Billy & Mark) were both very supportive, as were my extended family. Work and colleagues also made me feel like they had my back and were routing for me to succeed.

Why did you decide to sign up for this sponsored walk?
Dementia is important to me but the fact that I could do something with my Mum and Lauren made it even more special and the 5K seemed the perfect place to start, not too big and not too small.

Would you do it again or something similar?
Lauren is desperate to do the zip wire after seeing Judith’s pictures, I’m not too sure as not keen on heights or water and my Mum said no straight away but never say never…

What words of encouragement would you give to others in the firm or outside of the office thinking of signing up?
Go for it, give anything a go and if you can raise some money for charity along the way even better. You never know what is around the corner, live your life while your able to do so, in aid of those who can’t.

Diana McLeish quotes ‘Thank you Yvonne and Judith for taking part and raising nearly £500 for Alzheimer Scotland. We are all very proud of you. Thanks to everyone in the community for their generous donations to the charity and words of encouragement. We hope this inspires you to sign up for something close to your hearts to make a positive difference regardless how great or small’.

Yvonne above with her family and some images of Judith and her family.

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