Mindroom Fundraising Heroes Drive Charity Support Forward

Mindroom is celebrating a series of extraordinary fundraising activities, led by charity co-founder 81-year-old Robin Dow, living with stage 4 cancer, as his 25-mile walk raised a huge £70,000.

Article Source: Salvesen Mindroom Centre
Last Updated: 10 September 2025 9:53

Edinburgh, Scotland – Mindroom is celebrating a series of extraordinary fundraising activities, led by co-founder Robin Dow, who, at 81 and recently diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, has already raised a huge £70,000 following his 25-mile walk from Mindroom’s Leith office to Tantallon Castle.

Robin’s epic walk is homage to the charity’s 25-year journey since he co-founded it with author, journalist and wife, Sophie Dow, on 2 August 2000. ‘A Mile for Every Year,’ which was expected to raise £50,000.

Reflecting on the experience, Robin Dow commented: “People are enormously generous, and we are incredibly grateful. The substantial amount we have already raised reflects countless small and large contributions coming together.

“The fact that so many people have responded and actively engaged shows that we not only have wonderful families and friends, but also that, in Mindroom, we have a very worthwhile charity.”

Adrian Astley-Jones - specialist in private equity tech advisory and Non-Executive Director for Mindroom - will also soon join the fundraising efforts with his own epic swim, inspiring colleagues and supporters to rally behind the cause.

On the 14th and 15th of September, Adrian will step out of his comfort zone and embark on a big challenge with three close friends, when he attempts to swim across the 3rd largest ocean whirlpool, The Gulf of Corryvreckan, located around 3 miles out from mainland Scotland’s West Coast, and deemed ‘unnavigable’ by the Royal Navy.

Commenting on the challenge ahead, Adrian adds: “Passion and commitment are part of the work we do with the Mindroom’s community. We have one goal, and that is to offer as much direct support as we can and make a difference to real people. I will certainly do my very best to contribute as much as possible to this very important mission. Every stroke counts!”

Adrian’s fundraising challenge carries a deeply personal meaning, as he has chosen to split donations between two causes close to his heart: Mindroom and Dementia UK.

CEO for Mindroom, Alan Thornburrow, will also be pushing fundraising efforts even further when he takes on the Loch Ness Marathon on Sunday, 28 September. Talking about the joint fundraising efforts and the team spirit, Alan concludes:

“Participating in the Loch Ness Marathon is more than a personal challenge…It’s an opportunity to channel energy into meaningful change. I’m proud to contribute every step of the way.

“Powered by individuals’ efforts and public generosity, Mindroom’s support has been growing steadily since I began as CEO in 2022, and our fundraising feats will benefit people directly, with donations translated into both the future of the charity and the development of new and expanded services, offering tangible support. This is why we do what we do, to inspire real change!”

To donate to the three individual fundraising efforts, the links are:
Robin’s epic 25-mile walk
Adrian’s open ocean swim
Alan’s Loch Ness marathon

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Mindroom Fundraising Heroes Drive Charity Support Forward

Mindroom is celebrating a series of extraordinary fundraising activities, led by charity co-founder 81-year-old Robin Dow, living with stage 4 cancer, as his 25-mile walk raised a huge £70,000.

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