A Mile for Every Year: Robin Dow Marks 25 Years of Mindroom with Epic Fundraiser

81-year-old Robin Dow, charity co-founder, will embark on a 25-mile walk from Leith to Tantallon Castle to celebrate Mindroom's anniversary to raise £50,000 for neurodivergent children & families.

Article Source: Salvesen Mindroom Centre
Last Updated: 31 July 2025 9:33

Edinburgh, Scotland. On Saturday, 02 August 2025, Robin Dow, co-founder of the Salvesen Mindroom Centre (Mindroom), will once again embrace his experience as a marathon enthusiast for a deeply personal and inspiring fundraising event to commemorate 25 years to the day since he and journalist and author – and Robin’s wife – Sophie Dow, founded the charity.

At 81 years old and recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, Robin will walk 25 miles (40 km) from Mindroom’s office in Leith to the dramatic cliffs of Tantallon Castle, East Lothian – a symbolic and powerful act to raise much-needed funds to support the charity he co-founded with Sophie in 2000, inspired by their daughter Annie, who lives with a unique and rare chromosome deletion (now informally known as “Annie’s syndrome”).

Robin Dow said: “I’m incredibly fortunate to have a wonderful wife and four caring and considerate children: Fiona, James, Annie and our Charity, Mindroom. Sophie and I brought Mindroom into the world on 2nd August 2000. During the past 25 years, it has developed from an infant with unknown potential to a mature entity with a heart, a soul and a spirit which has positively impacted the lives of tens of thousands of neurodivergent children, families and those who support them.

“Mindroom is now an adult, personified by an excellent team of Trustees, run by a multitalented and dedicated staff team and funded by a broad base of statutory, trust, corporate and individual donors. My 25-mile walk, taking place on the day that the Charity was founded, is my thank you to everyone who has contributed to the upbringing of this amazing organisation.

“Advancing years and the big C mean that this is my last major endeavour on behalf of Mindroom and those whom we help. Please show your support by donating to a fundamentally important cause, while also spurring me on as I walk 1 mile for each of the 25 years of the life of Mindroom. And let’s hear it for the next 25!”

It seems a long time ago that Robin and Sophie sat at their kitchen table in Inveresk (East Lothian) and registered Mindroom with one vision: No Mind Left Behind. A quarter of a century later, that vision has flourished into an influential organisation now supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families across Scotland and beyond.

An Epic Walk:

Robin will set off from the Mindroom office at exactly 08:02am on 02 August (a nod to the official birthday of the charity) with the aim of reaching Tantallon Castle exactly 8 hours and 2 minutes later. He will be joined by family members, friends and supporters, and by Mindroom’s CEO, Alan Thornburrow, along the way.

The walk aims to raise a bold £50,000 – that’s £25,000 for each co-founder, another nod to the history of the charity, and they are well on the way to achieving their goal, thanks to some initial generous donations. Every donation will help Mindroom provide direct, life-changing support to neurodivergent children and young people who often also face serious mental health challenges.

Sophie added: “Robin’s unwavering dedication towards Mindroom’s vision of making sure that no mind is left behind, is yet again expressed in his inspirational actions and initiative, this time in a 25 mile walk. Let’s walk with him – in spirit or in person – all the way!”

Alan shared: “When I first met Robin and Sophie during the interview process to become CEO of Mindroom in December 2021, I was immediately taken with their passion, energy and vigour. I already knew Mindroom was a cause I wanted to work in service of, but I also knew this was a very special organisation whose co-founders were still so dedicated to realising the vision they set out with in 2000.

“Fast forward to the present day, our 25th anniversary, and Robin's determination, courage and commitment are nothing short of remarkable. As fellow marathon runners, we both know what it is to suffer, but also to believe that we are capable and can overcome pain by continuing to move forward in pursuit of our goals. Robin's walk is both inspiring and significant. How could I not take part!

“I'm honoured to be sharing some steps of the journey with him on his "Big Walk", but even more so to have shared the last 3 years as CEO, working with two remarkable co-founders, an excellent Board and a highly respected and motivated team – and to continue working to address the fundamental injustice neurodivergent young people, adults and families face every day – we need your help!”

Mindroom also created some useful resources, which can be downloaded here:

• Mindroom 25: Anniversary Menu – 25 powerful ways your donation will help change lives.

• Mindroom 25: Introduction – A snapshot of the charity’s work, their impact, and the challenges faced by the 29 specialists who deliver support every day.

For donations to the charity and to sponsor Robin’s incredible initiative, please visit this link, including the opportunity to donate anonymously.

Every pound matters — no donation is too small, nor too substantial!

For more information about Mindroom and the work they do, please visit: Salvesen Mindroom Centre.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Last call for supporters to share their Murrayfield Memories as centenary celebrations beckon

HUNDREDS of fans from Scotland and across the globe have been sharing their most treasured memories of Scottish Gas Murrayfield as the stadium prepares to mark its centenary year.

HIV ALOUD: RAISE THE CURTAIN

The Edinburgh Playhouse and Waverley Care are pleased to announce a new collaboration, HIV ALOUD: RAISE THE CURTAIN, an arts initiative to share stories of those living with HIV.

Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol

With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!

Jali Film Weekender announces Full Programe

Jali Collective is proud to reveal the full programme for the first ever Jali Film Weekender, taking place at Filmhouse, Edinburgh from 30 October – 2 November 2025.

Lead Casting announced for Mean Girls

Lorne Michaels, Crossroads Live and Sonia Friedman Productions are delighted to announce initial casting of the award-winning Mean Girls The Musical.

Cafe Calton Unveils Seasonal Evening Menu and Pre Theatre Dining Experience

Perched atop the iconic Calton Hill, Café Calton has unveiled its new Autumn/Winter Evening Menu, alongside a specially curated Pre-Theatre Dining Experience.

October at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Cocktail Week to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in October!

Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it

Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.

Brits brewing up a storm: Macdonald Hotels reports coffee surge

Brits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.

Bonnie & Wild and Fierce Beer team up for craft bar residency

Craft brewery Fierce Beer shows appetite for Bonnie & Wild with launch of new bar residency and tailored food and drink pairings.

Local Charities and Communities at the Heart of Edinburghs Christmas 2025

Spreading Christmas cheer, Edinburgh’s Christmas offers over 8,500 free tickets to local community groups and charities.

Spooky season brings horror icons and vampire romance back to the big screen at Vue

Some of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.

Two Edinburgh Bakeries launch unique Macaron and Cake Tower

Mademoiselle Macaron and Mimi’s Bakehouse have announced a new collaboration which combines handcrafted French macarons with signature sponge tiers in a bespoke macaron and cake tower.

Full Line up Announced for Soundhouse Winter Festival

The 2025 Soundhouse Winter Festival returns from Thursday 27 November to Monday 1 December at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, thanks to support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

Hard Rock Edinburgh goes pink for PINKTOBER

Hard Rock Edinburgh is honouring Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October through Hard Rock International’s 26th annual PINKTOBER campaign.

The Wee Waddle is back at Edinburgh Zoo

From tomorrow (Thursday 2 October) Edinburgh Zoo’s penguin colony will take part in the Wee Waddle, a reimagined version of the world-famous Penguin Parade.

Christmas Launch Weekend at Dobbies Garden Centres marks the start of the festive season

Christmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.

Breast Cancer UK is launching its bold Street Nipples campaign in Edinburgh

Breast Cancer UK is launching its bold ‘Street Nipples’ campaign, uniquely transforming everyday pavement studs across Edinburgh into striking reminders for people to check their breasts.

CCC treats audiences to a frightfully delightful family concert this Halloween

Children's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!

Edinburgh families sleeping in layers of coats just to stay warm

The Leith Collective launches annual Winter Coat Exchange and hopes to make it more accessible than ever.

The List celebrates 40 years championing arts and culture scene

The List, Scotland's guide to what's on in arts, culture and entertainment, is celebrating its 40th birthday in October.

Lara Denning joins cast for Steps Musical at Edinburgh Playhouse

The producers of the brand-new musical HERE & NOW, presented by UK pop sensation, Steps, are delighted to announce that West End actress Lara Denning will take over the role of Caz.

New Zealand boutique winery Little Beauty set for winemakers dinner at Ka Pao Edinburgh

Ka Pao Edinburgh is set to host a one-night-only winemaker’s dinner with acclaimed New Zealand winery Little Beauty.

Philharmonic orchestra Capella Edina announces first Patron and Honorary President

As Edinburgh’s first resident philharmonic orchestra for almost 90 years, Capella Edina is delighted to announce two new key supporters of the orchestra and its vision.

Popeyes announces restaurant at Fort Kinnaird

The wait is over for fried chicken lovers in Greater Edinburgh, as Popeyes® UK has announced that it will be launching its second restaurant in the Lothians this Autumn.

Free tickets for The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Edinburgh

With just days until The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Edinburgh opens, snap up two free tickets worth £24!

SAY Award Longlist announced including Jacob Alon, Kathryn Joseph, Mogwai and more

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland's national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on 2025's Longlist.

UK Roadshow to champion impact of local small businesses

Small Business Saturday UK Tour will be coming to Edinburgh on 5th November as part of its nationwide roadshow celebrating the nation’s favourite small businesses.

Beatson Cancer Charity and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service join forces for Blood Cancer Awareness Month

For the first time, Beatson Cancer Charity has joined forces with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to highlight the vital role blood donors play in the treatment of blood cancers.

Forever Edinburgh launches new Resident Days as a celebration of Edinburgh residents

Forever Edinburgh launches Resident Days, an initiative giving people who live in the capital exclusive opportunities to enjoy free or discounted access to local attractions, tours and experiences.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

A Mile for Every Year: Robin Dow Marks 25 Years of Mindroom with Epic Fundraiser

81-year-old Robin Dow, charity co-founder, will embark on a 25-mile walk from Leith to Tantallon Castle to celebrate Mindroom's anniversary to raise £50,000 for neurodivergent children & families.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings