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 FSTDonation directly to the Family support trust (67.74%) management fee (26.21%) financial transaction fee (6.05%) Enter now

Option 2: Finisher’s GiftDonation 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 Events26.2 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 MilesIn 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 MilesThe 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.

Submit your distance here!FAQ1. Do I need to do the whole distance in one go?No, it can be added up over the whole month.2. I opted for the finisher's gift. How and when do I receive this?Once registered, go and complete your mileage (enjoy!) and once you have, notify us that you are all done and we will send your finisher’s gift*. We’d then love it if you shared some images on social media!
*gift will be delivered within 28 days from submission of your mileage.3. Do I need to fundraise?We would really appreciate it if you did some fundraising along with the mileage; that (at the end of the day) is one of the reasons we put this event together. The Trust can only continue its fantastic work if it supported.4. How much should I fundraise?We do not have a minimum donation; however a suggested target would be £1 for every day in September. £30 could make an incredible difference as part of a hardship grant or perhaps in providing respite accommodation for a family in need of a break.5. Who can take part?Everybody. We think this event is a great opportunity bring co-workers and family together with a common purpose. We also recognise the benefits of exercise in promoting mental wellbeing.6. Do I need to use a fitness tracker like Strava to track my mileage?No, we trust you! However, there are loads of free fitness trackers that you can use and it might be a good way to show your friends and sponsors all the effort you are putting in.7. Can I enter as a team?In order to receive a completion certificate and medal, all individual participants will need to register. That doesn’t stop you totalling your miles up or fundraising as a watch, team or workplace.8. Can I enter as a family?Yes! We have a discounted rate for children registering with parents/guardians as we really want this to feel like a family event.9. Is there a set location or venue for this event?No. This is a virtual event, so you can do your miles anywhere and at any time. There will however be some organised get togethers in workplaces over the month of September, where you can add to your mileage totals with your workmates if you wish.