Led by a dedicated team of volunteers, the group welcomes people from all walks of life. Some participants have gone through cancer treatment them-selves, whilst others have cared for loved ones or are coping with bereavement. Whatever their reason for attending, the group offers a welcoming, supportive space where people can meet one another, share stories and simply value being around others who have gone through similar experiences.

Alan Leitch, volunteer Walk Leader, has been involved with Clan for more than 20 years and, in recent years, decided to become more hands-on through volunteering at the organisation.

“People come along to the walking group to socialise,” he explained. “People are just looking for friendship, companionship and simply the chance to share stories.

“Some have lost partners, some have gone through cancer treatment. Everybody has their own reason for being part of the walking group.”

This sense of connection is something participant Archie Barrie knows first-hand. After his wife passed away two years ago, he was encouraged by Clan to join the walking group where he says it has transformed his outlook on life.

“I thoroughly enjoy the walking group,” Archie said. “Walking is good for you, but the company is brilliant. We have a laugh, then you get a cup of coffee and laugh a bit more. It’s great for me personally.”

Before joining the group, Archie described himself as feeling lonely and isolated: “My wife had cancer and Clan were amazing to her,” he said. “I never thought the walking group would do me the world of good, but it certainly has. It has changed my outlook in life.”

For fellow volunteer Kenny, who first came to Clan following the passing of his late wife, the walking group is about helping others experience that same sense of belonging.

“It helps you get through the day,” he said. “It’s about meeting people, having a chat and then having a coffee afterwards with everyone. It’s just nice to give something back, and they’re a good bunch of people as well.”

The volunteers see the impact on participants every week: “You notice a big difference in people,” said Alan. “They come along here quite shy and reserved at first, but then they open up – it’s great to see.”

“You’re giving something back at the end of the day,” Kenny explained. “That’s what I enjoy about volunteering.”

As Clan prepares to expand its walking groups into Elgin, Mintlaw and Shetland, the charity is looking for more volunteers to help lead walks and support participants.

For Alan, volunteering has always been as rewarding for those giving their time as it is for those attending: “It’s a win-win for me – you come along, you meet people and you get a chat. You’re also giving something back into the community, and what better way to do that than by supporting Clan? It’s brilliant.”

“I would totally encourage anyone to volunteer,” Kenny echoed. “If you want to become a Walk Leader, go for it and you’ll get something out of it.”

Archie agrees, praising the volunteers who make the group possible: “To volunteer at the walking group is absolutely brilliant.

“You have to take your hat off to Alan, Kenny and all the other volunteers. They’re giving so much of their time to people like me. I would never miss coming along to the group – it’s the highlight of my week.”

Clan’s walking group offers something simple but invaluable – an opportunity to connect and support one another. For volunteers and participants alike, the walking group is a place where people can give something back, make new friends and discover that a simple Monday morning walk can make a meaningful difference.

To find out more about Clan Cancer Support, and how to get involved, visit their website at clancancersupport.org

This article originally appeared in the August 2026 edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine for and from the the third sector in Aberdeen. Read the current and past editions, and sign up to our mailing list, at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news