On Easter Sunday, Ecologia’s intrepid coastal runner, Simon Clark, set off from our base in Findhorn, Morayshire, on a 5,000 mile run around the wiggly edge of mainland Britain.
Despite a cold blustery wind and an early start (made even earlier by the clocks going forward!) around 50 local friends and well-wishers gathered together to enjoy a 5km fun run, music and even a spot of dancing, before cheering Simon off, as he ran through an archway of willow fronds to the sound of the pipes.
It was a fantastic way to start our Easter Sunday and we were incredibly moved by the love and support shown to Simon and Ecologia by those who came along.
For those who couldn’t be there – or forgot the clock change! – we have uploaded some of the best photos of the day below.
Of course, this is only the beginning. By 16:00 Simon had arrived in Nairn – 14 miles away as the crow flies but over 23 miles following the coast – where he sent us this text
Fabulous successful day … seven brief encounters, four cards given out so far, a lot of smiles, wet feet from mud flats, rucksack adds 14% to my body weight for ankles to support and they are complaining! Thanks for making this fab, slowly realising it’s actually happening!!!! Simon
The next few weeks are going to present a range of new challenges as Simon’s body adjusts to the incredible demands he is putting on it and as he himself adjusts to the new rhythm of life on the run.
To encourage him – and help him achieve his goal to raise £2 for every mile he runs to support the vulnerable children and young people in our projects worldwide, please
Even a small donation goes a very long way in the countries in which we work and all gifts are always gratefully received.
To find out more, follow Simon’s progress here.
Join our dedicated team of volunteers and experience the joy of giving back, while making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and the community
Your contribution has the power to make a difference in the lives of those in need, enabling us to continue our vital work and create positive change
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*Names have been changed according to our child protection policy.
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Susie has 30+ experience as a creative copywriter, editor, and proofreader, starting out as a 20-year-old copywriter in the Mad Men world of early 1990s advertising in South Africa. Ever since, she’s had a love affair with creative conceptualisation, thinking outside of the box, writing to a deadline, and being thrown in the deep end!
She took an MSc in Publishing at Edinburgh Napier University as a mature student, in 2015, and continues to keep herself busy working as a copy-editor, proofreader and copywriter in book publishing, corporate communications, and publishing project management.
Apart from her love of working with independent authors, Susie has a fondness for working in the third sector and likes to use her corporate communications and marketing experience to support projects close to her heart. She has lived and worked in the Findhorn area for 25 years, and has been involved in a number of third sector projects and organisations, and family businesses.
Working at Ecologia Youth Trust helps Susie to live in integrity with her values of supporting the next generation to be the best that they can be, and she sees it as a way to give back to Mama Africa, the beloved continent on which she was born.
Ellen joined the Ecologia team in June 2018 as Marketing and Communications Manager. Ellen has lived in Scotland for 6 years and has worked for non-profit and charitable organisations across varied fields. She currently shares her passion for helping young people through Ecologia Youth Trust and she works as a dancer and dance teacher in her spare time.
Robyn is the Associate Director of International Projects, having previously worked within the team as a Project Development and Marketing Officer from April 2019 until May 2021. As Associate Director, Robyn is co-leading the International side of Ecologia with Founder and Director, Liza Hollingshead, bringing a new energy into Ecologia as they look towards the future of the charity.
Liza is the founder of Ecologia and Director of International Projects. She was born and educated in South Africa and worked there as a high school teacher. She moved to live in the Findhorn Community in 1974. She started Ecologia in 1995 after being introduced to Dmitry Morozov, the founder of Kitezh Children’s Community in Russia, and was inspired to support the community in its mission to rescue orphaned children from institutions and give them homes, families and education in a supportive environment.
This led to projects supporting disadvantaged youth and children in South East Asia and in East Africa. TRead more about Liza’s story here.
