A team from Scottish scaffolding business JR Scaffold has raised more than £36,000 for a cancer charity after completing the West Highland Way.
Led by managing director John Horne, five team members walked the full 96-mile route from Milngavie to Fort William in aid of the Emmie Smillie Foundation. The six-day trek raised £36,850 for the charity, which supports cancer patients and care facilities across Glasgow and the Central Belt.
The group included father and son James Martin Sr and Jr, Gordon Davidson, and Andrew Simpson. They took on the challenge to mark JR Scaffold’s 30th anniversary and to honour a long-standing connection with the Smillie family.
“This was about much more than just completing a walking challenge,” said Mr Horne. “It was about honouring a remarkable young woman, supporting families facing cancer, and giving something meaningful back in our anniversary year.”
The Emmie Smillie Foundation was set up in 2016 in memory of Emmie Smillie. Her father, Andy Smillie, who founded the charity, praised the team’s efforts.
“Their drive, their heart, and their endurance have helped raise vital funds and awareness for the work we do in Emmie’s memory,” he said. “Every pound raised will go directly to supporting cancer patients and families when they need it most.”
Mr Horne said the trek was challenging but the group was kept going by “camaraderie and a sense of purpose”.
Founded in Govan in 1995, JR Scaffold is part of The JR Group and now employs around 200 staff. The business has grown to become one of Scotland’s largest construction firms, working across the country and in northern England.
Mr Horne added: “Community support and giving back have always been part of our DNA. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve done together – and we’re just getting started.”
