Team RMF take on the Kiltwalk and raise £15,000 for NHS Edinburgh & Lothian Health Foundation

Team RMF, 22 individuals from the Western General project team, have exceeded their original fundraising target after participating in this year’s virtual Kiltwalk.

Team RMF, 22 individuals from the Western General project team, have exceeded their original fundraising target and raised a huge £15,000 for NHS Edinburgh & Lothian Health Foundation after participating in this year's virtual Kiltwalk.

Walking at least 27.4 miles each, the team included representatives from Robertson, FES, HLM Architects, Curtins Civil & Structural Engineers, Oberlanders Architects LLP and Hulley and together covered the equivalent distance from John O' Groats to Lands' End.

Robertson Construction Central East is currently onsite at the Western General Hospital, under Healthcare Frameworks Scotland, following the appointment of RMF Health, a joint venture between Robertson and FES. Works undertaken include LINAC project New Build, Renal Building New Build, Haematology major refurbishment, Replacement of infrastructure phase 1, various ward upgrades and Radio Iodine project.

Robertson Group Board rounded up the £12,885 raised, which includes a donation from The Hunter Foundation, to a grand total of £15,000.

David Cairns, regional managing director, Robertson Central East, said: "As part of RMF Health, we have been working in close partnership with the entire team at the Western General Hospital. Works to deliver new facilities have continued throughout the pandemic and our team were inspired by all the NHS staff during this time. The RMF team decided to participate in the Kiltwalk as a way of showing their respect and appreciation for the frontline services provided by the NHS and is extremely proud of the monies raised which is almost four times the original fundraising target."

Nicola Sinclair, Head of Fundraising, Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation, said: "On behalf of staff and patients at the Western General Hospital, we would like to say a big thanks to each and every member of the RMF team for taking on the Virtual Kiltwalk with the Land's End to John O'Groats challenge! It is heartening that although the team participated apart they did this together – it is a super achievement. 

"The money raised could help our NHS Lothian staff and patients in a multitude of ways, such as enabling our Cancer Centre to do even more through research or life changing specialist equipment or by refurbishing buildings or wards across the hospital so they create warm welcoming environments which support wellbeing.  All these things and more offer hope and comfort to people when they need it most. I am sure the significant funds that have been raised by the RMF team from their Virtual Kiltwalk will have a lasting impact. 

"Money donated by supporters creates transformational change at our hospitals, it would not have been possible to create the incredible Haematology centre without our donors.  The foundation is thrilled with the progress being made on this and thank the RMF team for their hard work and dedication on building this important centre."

Chris Stirling, Site Director at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh also added: "Everyone at the Western General would like to say a huge well done to the RMF team who took part in the Kiltwalk and raised £15,000 to support our patients and staff. What an amazing achievement! This is particularly special to us given our important partnership with RMF, who we are working with us on the major refurbishment of our Haematology Centre – an ambitious and innovative programme that was also made possible thanks to an extremely generous donation.

"Through our official charity, Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation, supporters like RMF help us to do more, creating first class facilities that help transform the way that care is delivered. We look forward to continuing these important partnerships to build the future of healthcare at the Western General together."

The Kiltwalk challenge took place over the weekend of the 23rd to 25th April, with thousands of participants across the country raising £6.1m for a variety of charities.