The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Family Support Trust (established 1923), is the oldest Fire & Rescue charity in the UK and exists for the benefit of Fire Service personnel as well as retired members and their families.

The Family Support Trust would love you to help them support those who help us all: Firefighters and their families, when in need.

In September 2019 the Trust launched their first annual “Steptember” event.  Almost 200 runners took part banking over 14,000 miles over the course of the month. Steptember is a virtual  race that can be run (or walked) from any location you choose.  You get to run your own race, at your own pace, building your mileage as you go. We have three distances so that the satisfaction of completing the event can be achieved by our youngest and oldest supporters, as well as those of a more athletic persuasion!

Due to Covid-19, all charities are struggling as their pipeline to fundraising events has dried up due to restriction on hosting live events. As a result the Trust is offering two entry options in order to allow you to make the choice of where your entry fee goes.

1. On completion of your distance you will receive a finisher's gift. The charity receives 33.95% of your entry fee. The remainder is spent on financial transaction fees, management fees, the gift itself and postage and packaging.

2. On entry the charity will receive the cash equivalent of your finisher's gift. This means that the charity receives 67.74% of your entry fee even before any fundraising.

All three events are virtual and can be completed at your own pace; they can be done in a day (if you feel fit enough!) but can also be completed by totting the mileage up over the whole month of September. The most important aspects are enjoyment, satisfaction, getting moving and some fundraising to support an absolutely brilliant cause.

Steptember is primarily a walking and running event but we also want to encourage as diverse and inclusive involvement… So please feel free to be creative about how you complete your mileage.. We’d love to see someone rollerskate, swim, cycle, wheelchair, scoot or anything else that suits them!

Donate to the Family Support Trust

Where does my £19 entry fee go?

Option 1: Donate to FST

Donation directly to the Family support trust (67.74%)
management fee (26.21%)
financial transaction fee (6.05%)
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Option 2: Finisher's Gift

Donation directly to the Family support trust (33.95%)
management fee (26.21%)
financial transaction fee (6.05%)
finisher's gift (17.37%)
Postage & Packaging (16.42%)
Enter now

The Events

26.2 Miles

The target is to complete the equivalent of a marathon of walking or running over the month of September or, if you have the fitness required, in one go. This is the entry level distance and we would love to see families and groups registering together

50 Miles

In order to complete this challenge, participants should aim to complete 50 miles during September.. or in one go if you are REALLY keen! This target suits someone who is already active and is looking to step it up in the name of a good cause.

100 Miles

The top level award, this challenge asks participants to complete in excess of 100 miles in September. The Century is obviously suited to someone who is already active and/or perhaps already in training for a running or walking challenge.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Family Support Trust (established 1923), is the oldest Fire & Rescue charity in the UK and exists for the benefit of Fire Service personnel as well as retired members and their families.

The Trust strives to ensure best use of charitable resources with between 80% and 100% of annual ‘regular-giving’ income received from Service employees being paid out in grants to assist those in greatest need.

The range of support services provided by the Trust is designed to assist in improving the wellbeing of beneficiaries and last year over 880 individuals and their families were helped through a wide range of personal issues and difficult circumstances.

 Charitable services provided include:-

  • Financial Assistance in the form of Bereavement and Hardship grants to beneficiaries during times of need.
  • Children’s investment Grant which help young people who have suffered parental loss.
  • Female Registered Beneficiary Grants including an annual Christmas Grant, Christmas lunch and Summer Outing for our registered female beneficiaries (Widows).
  • Respite Accommodation for individuals and families needing a break; this can be following or during treatment or potentially following loss, illness or injury.

FAQ