Danielle Arthur is swapping her hi-viz, hard hat and steel toe-caps for a more leisurely tartan skirt and trainers this weekend as she steps out on a 26-mile Virtual Kiltwalk around Stonehaven to raise funds for NSPCC Scotland.

Danielle, who is an Occupational Safety Advisor with SSEN based in Aberdeen, was originally intending to take part in the city's Kiltwalk along with thousands of other passionate fundraisers, but with the event being cancelled during the coronavirus pandemic, the organisers have re-jigged their plans and walkers are now raising funds in a socially-distanced fashion.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's 26-mile mega-march, Danielle explained why she's taking part:

"Away from work I volunteer with the NSPCC's Childline service in Aberdeen and after seeing firsthand the kind of support that is on offer to young people and the benefits these can bring, I wanted to do my bit and raise some much-needed funds for the charity."

"Even though the original Kiltwalk had to be postponed, I think the virtual event is still a great way for people to support charities close to their hearts, and with such a variety of historic sites around Stonehaven I've worked out a route which I think will make the 26-mile walk less of a struggle and more of a nice day out. That's the idea anyway!"

Danielle's total will be boosted by a donation from SSEN's Matched Funding initiative, which offers up to £150 to support colleagues who are taking part in fundraising events such as sponsored walks and cake sales.

Katie Bruce, Corporate Fundraiser for NSPCC Scotland said:

"The lengths that our supporters go to so that we can still be here for children is phenomenal."

"We couldn't be more grateful to Danielle and Loki for their amazing efforts this weekend! A child contacts Childline every 25 seconds and between wonderful volunteer counsellors like Danielle, awe-inspiring fundraising feats like this one, and superstar sponsors like you and SSEN's matched giving, we can make a difference."

Danielle won't be short of company and motivation on the day, as she'll be accompanied by Loki, one of her two Spanish rescue dogs.

"Being an Ibizan hunting dog, Loki loves his long walks", explains Danielle, "and I'm sure if my energy levels start to flag his waggy tail will keep me going until we get home!"

You can read more about Danielle's Kiltwalk fundraising here and to learn more about the NSPCC click here.