Heather’s Heroes Launch: A New Charity Honouring a Legacy of Kindness

The launch of Heather’s Heroes marks the beginning of a heartfelt mission to support individuals and families facing adversity across the UK. This newly established charity is dedicated to providing essential care, resources, and comfort to those in need by funding a network of remarkable charitable organisations in local areas.

Heather’s Heroes was founded in memory of Heather Dallas, a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend who sadly passed away from cancer in January 2024. Heather’s warmth, kindness, and unwavering support touched the lives of many, and this charity stands as a tribute to her generous spirit.

During her cancer treatment, Heather received exceptional support from Maggie’s Highlands and the Highland Hospice. Inspired by the compassionate care she received, Heather’s Heroes aims to continue her legacy by ensuring that others facing life’s most difficult challenges can access the same level of kindness, dignity, and support.

Heather’s Heroes will inspire fundraising by motivating people to support meaningful causes through hosting events, taking on challenges, and partnering on sponsorships. An example includes the recent support of a London-Paris cycle challenge by a remarkable family aiming to complete the ride in aid of Kayleigh’s Wee Stars, an Oldmeldrum-based charity which supports families across Scotland who have a child diagnosed with a terminal illness. As a result, funds will directly benefit the communities that have raised them, whilst elevating the work of invaluable charities by raising awareness and contributing towards their success. 

Through dedicated fundraising and awareness efforts, Heather’s Heroes will provide vital assistance to UK-based charities that offer support to those experiencing hardship, life-limiting illnesses, and bereavement. The charity’s work is further strengthened by a meaningful partnership with RSE Group, whose employees champion the cause through fundraising initiatives and community-driven events, such as the first Heather’s Heroes Family Fun Day held in November 2024.

The event was a great family day out for all ages, with a variety of exciting entertainment taking place throughout the afternoon for everyone to enjoy, from food and cocktails by Bubble and Goose to beat the goalie with Ross County FC players. With the support of RSE, its staff, and the generosity of the wider local community, the Family Fun Day was a great success, raising an incredible £30,762.74.

Heather’s Heroes has already begun making a difference. In March 2025, the charity match-funded every pound raised up to £15,000 during Highland Hospice’s annual Hospice Day, contributing to an incredible £55,000 total in support of palliative care services in the Highlands.

Andrew Leaver, Head of Income and Development at Highland Hospice, expressed his gratitude:

“I have no doubt that the message people could ‘double their impact’ because their donation would be matched by Heather’s Heroes was the reason for such a successful result. Heather’s Heroes is making a positive contribution to the charity fundraising landscape in the Highlands and local areas.”

Most recently, in April, a small team of Heather’s close friends completed the London Landmarks Half Marathon in support of the new charity set up in her name.

Sarah MacKenzie, who completed the half marathon in support of Heather’s Heroes and the Highland Hospice, added:

“Running the London Landmarks Half Marathon was a great experience for all of us, and we’re so proud of what we achieved – not just crossing the finish line, but smashing our fundraising target for the Highland Hospice.

Knowing we were being match funded by Heather’s Heroes gave us that extra push to go further, and we ended up exceeding all our expectations. The support we received was overwhelming, and we can’t thank everyone enough for their generous donations and encouragement.

With the help of Heather’s Heroes, we raised over £8,000, with every penny going to the Highland Hospice”.

Building on the momentum Heather’s Heroes has gained during its formative months, the spirit of fundraising has led to the creation of the Heather’s Heroes North Coast 500 Cycle Challenge. A dedicated team of 8 cyclists will take on the formidable North Coast 500 challenge this September, covering 100 miles a day over five days, to raise both awareness and vital funds for Heather’s Heroes. This incredible journey spans some of Scotland’s most dramatic coastal landscapes and will involve not only the sheer distance but winding roads and steep climbs, making it one of the UK’s toughest endurance cycling challenges.

Each of the core team riders has a personal connection to the impact of cancer, making this cause deeply meaningful to them and serving as their driving force to complete this immense challenge. Each day throughout the event, 4 corporate teams will join the Heather’s Heroes core cyclists in riding a leg of the NC500 route, offering vital encouragement and a strong sense of togetherness whilst tackling the challenging journey with the support of other enthusiastic cyclists, local businesses, and the wider community.

Through facilitating these various fundraising events, match-funding opportunities, and direct donations to meaningful causes, Heather’s Heroes is set to make an invaluable difference to local charities throughout the UK. This new charity is committed to fostering a community of support, care, resilience, and hope for those in need during their most challenging times – ensuring Heather’s legacy of kindness continues to touch lives for years to come.