At just 15 Aidan McCallum has learned the joy of fundraising for a cause he is passionate about

A 15-year-old second year pupil from Auchmuty High School in Glenrothes has been named Scottish volunteer fundraiser of the year.

Aidan McCallum, who has raised more than £9,000 for the Scottish Huntington’s Association, picked up the award at the Institute of Fundraising Scotland awards in Glasgow.

Aidan, whose dad has Huntington’s disease, said he was motivated to fundraise by the excellent support that the charity has provided to his family.

He has raised the money through a series of events from sponsored walks to race nights. However, the budding artist also impressed the awards judges by auctioning off his own work to raise money for charity. One piece was sold for £2,500, cash that on that occasion went to respite centre Leuchie House.

I think everyone should put in time to fundraising – you’re not just putting time into helping people in need, you feel so amazing after you’ve done it! - Aidan McCallum

“I’m amazed to win this award,” he told TFN. “I feel like all my hard work has been recognised. My dad is affected by Huntington’s and the Scottish Huntington’s Association is such an amazing charity that doesn’t get a lot of notice but is so deserving.

“The sense of accomplishment I get from fundraising is fantastic. To see that my money is making a difference means so much.”

Aidan who really enjoys school, in particularly his art, maths and science classes, said he would consider a career in fundraising later in life.

“I’m always going to keep fundraising, it gives you such a feeling of achievement. I think everyone should put in time to fundraising – you’re not just putting time into helping people in need, you feel so amazing after you’ve done it.”

The awards saw a range of Scottish charities recognised for different aspects of fundraising. The Craig Gowans Memorial Fundm which raised nearly £90,000 for the Sick Kids Friend Foundation this year, smashing its target of £37,000, was named the voluntary fundraising group of the year.

The group, made up of the friends and family of Craig Gowan who tragically passed away aged just 17 in 2005 following a football training ground accident, raised the cash by organising the world’s longest 11-a-side football match.

The 36-strong team played for a staggering 105 hours earning them a Guiness World Record title.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival picked up the award for best donor development campaign for its book festival patrons programme. Breast Cancer Care Scotland’s the Show won best use of event or community fundraising initiative while Aberlour and Sainsbury’s Bank picked up best partner relationship.

Emms International’s Sunday’s Child Campaign was the winner of the best marketing and communications campaign.

Gary Kernahan, chair of the Scottish conference committee, said: “All across Scotland we have charities providing vital services that so many people are dependent on.

“This important work undertaken by charities is only possible thanks to the people who work so hard to raise funds. We have some of the very best fundraisers here in Scotland and these awards will recognise and celebrate success in fundraising.”