Community / Smiles all round as Wastside fundraiser runs up £3k for Viking Genes
THE ANNUAL Wastside Smiles event made a joyful return to Skeld on Sunday, with over 170 people taking part in the much-loved family fun day.
Held under sunny skies, participants of all ages gathered to walk, run, and roll through the stunning Wastside scenery, covering routes of either one, three or seven miles through Skeld, Wester Skeld and Reawick.
This year marked the 11th running of Da Wastside Smiles, returning to the calendar for the first time since 2018.
Its organisers said it was fantastic to see the community event back in action, and the turnout was a testament to its popularity – with locals, visitors on holiday in Shetland, and even those using the event as part of their training all coming together for a great cause.
The race was started by two local legends, 91-year-old Georgia Anderson and her 90-year-old sister Bertha Reid, who have taken part in every single Wastside Smiles event to date.
This year was no exception, with both proudly joining the walkers once again.
Funds raised at this year’s event are going to the Viking Genes Shetland community screening project, with Viking Genes chairwoman Sandra Laurenson and committee member Peter Malcolmson on the starting line.
Also showing support was Robert Anderson from Tresta, who completed part of the walk after raising over £2,700 for Viking Genes by completing a sponsored sail the previous week.
Two standout participants were Lou Jackson and Laurence Hunter, who completed the route in their wheelchairs. Both are in training for their own upcoming fundraising challenge to roll the Hams of Roe for Shetland Ravens Basketball Team and Ability Shetland.
It was a true family day outing, with dogs, prams, and friendly chatter all along the way, and plenty of keen runners also took up the challenge.
First over the line in the one-mile route was three-year-old Owen Manson on his balance bike, while the three-mile event saw a joint finish from Emma Deyell and Saioa Galvin.
In the challenging seven-mile route, Nancy Connolly and Jack Wiseman led the pack to the finish.
Back at the finish line, participants received special Westside Smiles water bottles, along with bananas, sweets, medals, and certificates.
Back inside the hall was buzzing and the tables were full of smiling faces, racers and supporters alike, who enjoyed a spread at the traditional Sunday teas.
Da Westside Smiles organisers gave a huge thank you to everyone who took part, donated, baked, helped set up the hall, or supported the event in any way.
The event raised £3,000 for Viking Genes, which the event organisers said was a heartwarming reminder of the Wastside community spirit.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party ads;
- Bookmark posts to read later;
- Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
- Hide membership messages;
- Comments open for discussion.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
