Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Shining brightly for kids’ charity
IAN BUNTING
Kind-hearted performing arts students from New College Lanarkshire shone like never before to raise a four-figure sum for a children’s charity.
The New CLan Arts team were in a celebratory mood after collecting more than £5000 for When You Wish Upon A Star.
The talented troupe have supported the wish-making charity for the past four years through performing at events and donating proceeds from programme sales.
During the last academic year, the team has raised more than £1037 – which brings the total gathered since they started their efforts to almost £5500.
When You Wish Upon A Star is dedicated to granting the wishes of children aged two- to- 16 with lifethreatening illnesses and has, since 1990, granted more than 17,500 wishes across the UK.
A group of New CLan Arts students handed over their £5346 cheque to Judith King, the charity’s Scotland regional fundraiser.
Lecturer and production assistant Rowen Letham said: “We produce on average 18 productions a year, and all our programme sales from each production go to the charity.
“We are great advocates of the work When You Wish does, and our staff and students have been lucky enough to meet some of the amazing families whose lives are affected by many different illnesses.
“The money we raise helps to grant the wishes of children living with lifethreatening illnesses.
“We are honoured to represent this charity and continue to build the wonderful relationship we have.”
Performing arts students from New College Lanarkshire have took to the stage at the charity’s annual Snow Ball, held at Prestonfield House in Edinburgh.
They have also previously accompanied sick children on a Polar Express-themed train trip to see Santa at Glamis Castle and at Prestwick Airport to welcome families back from Lapland.
Judith King said: “The students’ help is invaluable, not only financially, but also as volunteers, regularly singing and performing at our events all over Scotland.
“They are all incredibly talented and professional and it continues to be an absolute pleasure having each and every one of them very much a part of the Scotland Wish team.
“With lots of music, dance and laughter in abundance, their wonderful performances help all our children, together with their families, to forget about their worries and illnesses for the day and for that we are eternally grateful.”
Judith added: “We look forward to working with the performing arts team again this year and into our exciting 30th birthday year in 2020. We have some wonderful events planned and the students will be heavily involved.”
For more information on the college’s range of performing arts courses, visit www. nclanarkshire. ac. uk/ courses/ performing-arts or call 0300 555 8080.