Artist helps fund group to ease cancer burden
THE PEOPLE behind a Lochgilphead-based cancer charity were a picture of happiness as they accepted a generous donation.
The cash came from John Lowrie Morrison’s recent art exhibition at the Archway Gallery, Lochgilphead.
The Tayvallich artist, better known as Jolomo, offered to donate a percentage of the profits from this year’s exhibition to the Mid Argyll Cancer Support Group.
Arthur Barclay, group chairman, said: ‘We are very grateful to John for this generous donation. The money will be used to support the work of our group and will help pick people up after a cancer diagnosis.’
Mid Argyll Cancer Support Group was founded in 2002 by Maria MacLeod, Macmillan nurse, and Alana Straughan, community nurse manager in Lochgilphead.
The group is for people who have experienced life with cancer, whether as a patient, partner, family member, carer or friend. The group is free and open to everyone who is affected by cancer.
Arthur explained: ‘We try to provide topics of interest at our monthly meetings which give a form of escape for anyone in a dark place. We also raise funds for cancerrelated charities through strawberry teas in June.
‘We promote cancer awareness and work with other organisations and charities in the area.’
Regular activities have included a breast care fashion show, outings and visits, Christmas dinner and belly dancing – not for the faint-hearted!
The group meets on the second Monday of each month in Lochgilphead Red Cross Centre and everyone is welcome.
As he handed over a cheque for £5,000, John Lowrie Morrison said: ‘I am pleased to make this donation to a worthy cause. This is just something I do to help support charities and I am sure it will be put to very good use by Arthur and the committee.’