Get on your bike! Take on the 2023 Tour de Scotty challenge
Time to get back on the saddle – the Tour de Scotty is returning for its fifth year!
This July, you can support bereaved military children and young people by cycling 300, 500 or 900 miles over the course of the month. You can do it outside or inside, on the road or at the gym, even on the way to school or work. The great thing about the Tour de Scotty is that it can fit around YOU.
Date: July 2023
Location: Anywhere!
Distance: 300 / 500 / 900 miles
Apply by: End of July
Registration Fee: FREE
What is the Tour de Scotty?
The Tour de Scotty is Scotty’s Little Soldiers’ flagship annual cycling event. Support bereaved military children by cycling up to 900 miles over the course of the July, all the while enjoying the summer weather and getting fit in the process! What could be better?
How long is the Tour de Scotty?
You can complete either 300, 500 or 900 miles over the course of July. The choice is yours!
“Tour de Scotty is a great way to keep up awareness and fundraise for the charity. I hope people who don't usually cycle get on their bike and start peddling for Scotty’s. Who knows, it may be start of something even bigger for you. It was for me!”
Where is the Tour de Scotty?
Anywhere! You can do it outside or inside, on the road or at the gym, even on the way to school or work. The great thing about the Tour de Scotty is that it can fit around you.
When is the Tour de Scotty?
The Tour de Scotty takes place from the 1st of July to the 31st of July, but you can start signing up now.
Does it cost anything?
No, the Tour de Scotty is completely FREE. Just set up a fundraiser and start peddling!
Do I receive anything?
Yes! Once you receive your first donation over £10, we'll send you a pair of exclusive Scotty's Little Soldiers laces. Once you’ve raised £100, we’ll send you one of Scotty’s own t-shirts or running vests. Then, once you complete your chosen distance (and have raised over £50) we’ll send you your very own Tour de Scotty medal as proof of your achievement!
“Scotty’s does so much for the military community and this is my way of giving back. The services they provide are second to none and every penny helps make sure bereaved British Forces children get the support need.”
Fundraising tips
- Set a fundraising goal - Setting a target results in almost 50% more donations!
- Share your fundraising page - Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are great places to promote your fundraiser and let family and friends know about the cause.
- Matched giving - If your employer has a matched giving policy, you could double the money you raise overnight. It can’t hurt to ask!
- Surprise people – The most successful fundraisers are the ones that do something a little unexpected. Sometimes that can be as simple as wearing a fun costume or completing the distance in an unusual place
- Keep friends and supporters up to date - Let everyone know how your fundraiser is getting on. If people see you're working hard to help bereaved military children, it could inspire them to do the same!
- Tell people why you are doing the Tour de Scotty – Explain what Scotty’s Little Soldiers means to you and why you want to raise funds to help the charity support bereaved military children and young people.
For more great fundraising ideas, click here.
Scotty’s founder, Nikki:
“The Tour de Scotty is such a fun event and I’d love to see as many people taking part and raising money for bereaved military children and young people as possible. Being able to choose your distance means anyone can get involved and support Scotty’s!
“Dealing with the death of a parent at such a young age can be incredibly difficult for our members, but every penny raised really does make a difference. It means we can continue to ensure our members have access to the support they need and always know they’re not alone.”
Supporting bereaved military children
Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a tri-service charity dedicated to supporting children and young people (0 to 25 years) who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
Inspired by the experience of Army widow Nikki Scott, following the death of her husband Corporal Lee Scott in Afghanistan in 2009, the charity, which was set up in 2010, provides support and guidance to hundreds of bereaved military children and young people throughout their childhood.
Services offered to Scotty’s members include access to child bereavement support, guidance to parents and carers, personal education and learning assistance (including grants), and fun activities such as holiday respite breaks and group events. These are all designed to remind the children and young people supported by Scotty’s that they are not alone.
If you know a child or young person who has experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces, they could be eligible for specialist bereavement support from Scotty's Little Soldiers. Hundreds of bereaved military children aren’t getting the support they need but we are here to help.
- If you are the parent or carer of a bereaved military child or young person, click here.
- If you work with bereaved children & young people, click here.
- If you are a bereaved young person seeking support, click here.
