Scots fundraiser returns home to Glasgow during six-nation challenge for Children First 

Glaswegian born John McGurk headed up an international relay team as they arrived in his home town on Saturday (30 May 26) before setting off on the last leg of an extraordinary six-nation fundraising challenge for charities including Children First. 

The intrepid team of 20 have travelled from Germany to Glasgow in a gruelling 796-mile mission that has seen one of them running or cycling at all times. 

John McGurk, a long-time supporter of Children First, and his team, were given a warm welcome in Glasgow before they set off to Northern Ireland as they continue to fundraise for children’s charities.  

The team have crossed Germany, the Netherlands, England, Scotland and will now continue on to Northern Ireland and then to Tuam in Ireland where they are due to complete their challenge on 3 June 2026. 

John McGurk said: “Supporting Children First through this charity run is truly close to my heart. On a personal level, they helped my family and supported me in finding important parts of my own past and history. But even more importantly, I deeply admire the outstanding work they do every day for children and families across Scotland.  

“Their compassion, support, and dedication to helping families when they need it most is something that deserves recognition and support, and I am honoured that we can help raise awareness through this journey.”   

This latest challenge, led by John, builds on his long history of fundraising for the charity, including similar international endurance events covering hundreds of miles in 2016 and 2022.  

The team donated an incredible 20,000 euros to Children First during their stop in Glasgow.  The charity protects children from harm and supports them to recover from trauma and abuse in their homes, schools and communities and through its national support line. 

Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive of Children First said: “We are so grateful for the support John has shown Children First over many years. His dedication to raising vital funds for children’s charities like ours is truly awe inspiring. 

“We want to say a huge thank you to John and to the whole team undertaking this incredible challenge. Every penny they have raised for Children First will go towards our work to help families when they need support the most.” 

The fundraising challenge is supporting multiple charities, including Children First and Mary’s Meals Ireland.  

You can find out more about John’s fundraising challenge at https://www.facebook.com/john.mcgurk2.