Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Cancer centre cheers for generous whisky tasters
Supporters of Maggie’s Lanarkshire raised spirits as they collected more than £8000 for the Airdrie cancer caring centre with a virtual whisky tasting event.
Forty attendees logged into Zoom for the special session led by master blender Brian Kinsman of William Grant & Sons.
They were guided through trying four samples sent out in advance by the whisky company, including 12, 15 and 18-year-old Glenfiddichs plus a one-off whisky miniature.
Brian – whose job can see him “nose” between 100 and 250 samples per day – gave his time to share his 23 years of expertise and respected international knowledge with an hour of history, science and tasting.
He said: “Virtual tastings have become the new normal, and I’m delighted to have been able to host an event for Maggie’s where we could all enjoy an evening of whisky in our own homes and raise money for a great cause at the same time.”
The event helped the Airdrie charity, which provides practical and emotional support to people with cancer and their loved ones, to bring in important fundraising revenue at a time when their income – almost entirely comprising voluntary donations – is being “significantly impacted by lockdown”.
Maggie’s Lanarkshire fundraising board chair Sandy Wilkie MBE, who was instrumental in helping set up the first event of its kind for the Airdrie centre, said: “Everyone enjoyed themselves and all for a good cause.
“Brian guided attendees through a brief history of the company’s family history, which dates back to 1887, and we learned about everything from the importance of temperatures, smells and alcohol burn to casking, testing and charring.
“It was clear to see from all the faces on the Zoom screen that the smoothness of the whisky was being enjoyed by all.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have Brian host our first-ever whisky tasting for Maggie’s and even more delighted at the amount raised.”
Centre head Lorrie Forsyth added: “We’re incredibly grateful for the support and kindness which William Grant & Sons has shown to Maggie’s over the years.
“This event has come at a time when we’re having to think of new and inspiring fundraising.
“It was a hugely enjoyable evening and helps us to continue offering our programme of support to those affected by cancer.”
She also extended thanks to players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, whose support also provides vital assistance to the centre.
Maggie’s Lanarkshire last year received a £30,000 donation from the William Grant Foundation, with the company also giving £100,000 to the original capital appeal to build the award-winning centre in the grounds of Monklands Hospital.
The cancer caring charity has also received £ 90,000 from the Scottish Government wellbeing fund to provide psychological support for people with cancer and their loved ones at its eight Scottish centres, including Lanarkshire.
Chief executive Laura Lee said: “Our psychologists are an incredibly important part of the evidence-based programme of support we offer – especially now as many people living with cancer are experiencing heightened stress, fear and anxiety because of the coronavirus, shielding and the knock-on effect it has had on cancer treatment.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Scottish Government wellbeing fund as this grant means we can ensure people with cancer, as well as family and friends, have quick and easy access to vital psychological support.”