Written by Marie Clare Tully, Chief Executive, Columba 1400
At Columba 1400, our core purpose is to enable young people, especially those from tough realities, and the key adults in their lives to lead lives of purpose, meaning and contribution.
Our approach is through values-based leadership, our belief in the potential of each and every young person, and the power of service. Our work is not a course, it is an experience, it is about transformation – that transformation starts with our own team.
Our team do not just talk about making a difference, they live it. They have an unwavering commitment, underpinned by our founding principles of the warmth of welcome, the warmth of hospitality and the warmth of being on a shared journey. They always go the extra mile – quite literally – to support and sustain the transformational work of Columba 1400.
From running shoes to walking boots, fundraising has become a true team effort as our Columban Team have taken on some incredible challenges to raise vital funds for our work.
In 2023, Jon, our Partnership Facilitator and his wife Lorna and son Noah took on the Great Scottish Run 10k.
In 2024, Stacey, our Centre Manager took on a solo long-distance walk, over three days on the Hebridean Way from Tarbert to Stornoway, and Stephanie, our Communications Manager and Jim, our Delivery Manager took on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk.
In 2025, Victoria, our Head of Finance and her son Ruaridh also took on the Glasgow Kiltwalk, as did our Co-Chairs, Mike and Jamie, and more of our Team will be taking part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in September.
And now members of our team, Andrew, our HTLA Coordinator and Facilitator; Colin, our Maintenance Manager; David, our chef; Nicola, Matilda and Laura, all members of our Facilitation Team – have just completed an extraordinary challenge: walking the Trotternish Ridge on the Isle of Skye. Spanning 37km over two days, this awe-inspiring route saw our brave Team members navigate steep climbs, wild, wild weather, beautiful landscapes and by the sounds of it, a lot of fun!
They have raised a whopping £4,208.96 (including Gift Aid) all for our vital work with young people and the key adults in their lives.
They did not do it for recognition. They did it because they believe, as we all do, that every young person deserves the chance to be seen, heard, and inspired. They did it because they know that sustainable change comes when we journey alongside others, not ahead or behind. They did it because they know – first hand – the difference our work makes on the lives of young people and the key adults in their lives.
We could not do what we do without the generosity and commitment of our supporters and partners and graduates. Underpinning all of what we do is the quiet strength and fierce dedication of our Team. I love seeing how the whole Columban Team gets behind each other, being alongside each other is what makes us one strong and committed Team.
They give their all, each and every day, not only in delivery, but by ensuring that Columba 1400 can extend the range and reach of our vital work.
Our founding principles and our values of Awareness, Focus, Creativity, Integrity, Perseverance and Service are what guides everything that we do.
Thank you to our Columban Team for all that they do for young people and the key adults in their lives, each and every day.
Our work has never been more needed, nor more vital.
Thank you to everyone who has donated and if you would like to support our vital work and our Team’s challenges, you can donate to the Trotternish Ridge Challenge here or to the Kiltwalk here. As always, your generosity is very much appreciated.
