ABERDEEN GP, Dr Stefan Geider, and police officer, Nick Lockyer, are making final preparations for Sunday’s Edinburgh Marathon (May 27) where they will be running to raise funds for the Aberdeen charity, Nature Nurture.
This is the first fundraising effort for the Nature Nurture Fund, which aims to raise £150,000 this year to provide 120 local children and young people with a place on a Nature Nurture programme.
Dr Geider (50), who lives in Cults, Aberdeen, is GP at the Camphill Medical Practice and also clinical lead for the NHS practice cluster in South Aberdeen. His first marathon was two years ago in Germany.
Dr Geider, who is runner number 6,894, explains why he is running the marathon:
“I am doing the Edinburgh Marathon to raise awareness and raise funds for the Nature Nurture programme, which has proven so effective as an early intervention programme for vulnerable children.
“One of my areas of medical expertise is children with learning difficulties and other complex needs. This is also the area for which I have particular responsibility in my role as cluster lead for children’s services in Aberdeen city.”
Nick Lockyer (22), who lives in Edinburgh, is competing in the marathon as a challenge and also because it is a sporting event he has never tried before. This is his first marathon.
Runner 7,398, Nick Lockyer explained why he chose to run for Nature Nurture:
“I have always enjoyed outdoor pursuits, and think that a charity aiming to provide such experiences for people who might not otherwise be lucky enough to have them is an extremely good cause.
“Through my work I have a lot of contact with the disadvantaged children at whom this charities work is aimed. I can speak to the benefits such nature experiences would bring to children whose every day lives are so far removed from them.”
Says a spokesperson: “Nature Nurture is the first programme of its type in the UK, working with disadvantaged children and young people who are experiencing challenges at home, at school and in the community.
“Many of the children and young people come from families affected by substance or alcohol misuse. Some come from families affected by domestic violence. Some have been sexually abused. Others have experienced neglect.
“For many, schooling has been disrupted due to the mental, emotional and social challenges they have faced.
“Research has shown that natural environments reduce stress and promote physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Nature Nurture sessions take place on the Murtle and Camphill campuses of Camphill School Aberdeen, to tackle the young people’s vulnerability and promoting resilience.
“After attending Nature Nurture sessions, 90 per cent of children show an increase in resilience and 70 per cent show improved engagement in education and increased school attendance.
“It costs £60 for the charity to organise one session for one child or £1,200 to fund a full programme of 20 sessions for one child. To fund a full programme for ten children costs £12,000.”
Camphill Wellbeing Trust and Nature Nurture are two of the charities in Camphill Aberdeen City and Shire. Together the charities provide opportunities for vulnerable children, young people, adults and the elderly.
The Camphill Movement was founded in Aberdeen in 1940, taking its name from Camphill House in the Milltimber area of the city. Now, more than 700 people live and work with Camphill charities in the Aberdeen area and the movement has grown internationally to encompass more than 100 centres in 23 countries.
Donations to Dr Geider’s Nature Nurture fundraising can be made through Virgin Money Giving.
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