Walking in memory of Margaret

Yesterday (Sunday 14 September), the Children First Borders team took on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in memory of their much-loved colleague and friend, Margaret Mills.

Margaret sadly passed away earlier this year, just weeks from her retirement after an extraordinary 54-year career with Children First.

Now, in her memory, the Borders team has been “paying it forward” by walking 21 miles in her honour alongside other colleagues and Margaret’s friends and family. As a 17-strong team, they are raising vital funds to continue the work Margaret cared so deeply about.

Children First is Scotland’s national children’s charity. It protects children from harm and supports them to recover from trauma and abuse in their homes, schools and communities and through its national support line.

Margaret’s commitment went far beyond the routine. She brought a deep sense of purpose and connection to her work with children and families across the Scottish Borders. In 2012, she was made an MBE in recognition of her decades of service to children and young people.

Between the 1970’s and 2022, Margaret walked thousands of miles to raise funds for the charity she loved. She personally contributed thousands of pounds to support Children First’s mission to protect and support vulnerable children.

Sarah Axford, service manager for the Children First Borders service said: “We had the most amazing day walking in memory of Margaret. She was like a member of the family to all of us. She had a way of making you feel incredibly special no matter who you were and the whole team felt that way.

“Margaret was a guiding light in many ways and was the person we looked to for advice. She was a truly special person who meant so much to everyone who took part in this challenge and to countless others whose lives she touched. Her legacy is one of extraordinary dedication to improving children’s lives and our fundraising efforts are all in her honour.”

The team have already raised more than £3,300 to help give children and families in the Scottish Borders a brighter future through Children First’s work. To donate and support the team’s efforts in Margaret’s memory, please click here.

Notes to editors
To read about Margaret’s extraordinary career with Children First, you can read her obituary on the Children First website here.