Jenny stars at Rotary lunch
Having Jenny Cook back to update the members of East Kilbride Rotary Club on her fundraising journey was one of the highlights of the speakers calendar.
Jenny – a winner of Young Scot of the Year 2016 – had spoken at a club lunch in February 2016 and members were eager to learn about her continued progress, how she coped with fundraising, schooling and her own health issues; and all this being planned and organised from a purposebuilt office in her back garden.
Members were not disappointed as Jenny launched confidently into her talk, opening with the fact the fund for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity had reached a breathtaking £288,000.
With her infectious charm, she went on to list the events she was organising.
Ladies’ tea parties, lighting up the Kelpies purple for one day – just some of the many events being planned.
Always at her side with unstinting support for Jenny is her mother Kirsten.
And she has been volunteered for Jenny’s next fundraising escapade – climbing the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales – all within 24 hours.
The club had put Jenny forward as their representative for Rotary Young Citizen Award.
The Rotary International Great Britain and Ireland (Rotary) Young Citizen Awards (YCA) were created to celebrate the achievements and commitment of inspiring young people across Great Britain and Ireland which epitomises Jenny. However, she was not successful on this occasion.
Giving the vote of thanks, George McGraw commented on the dedication, enthusiasm and confidence of Jenny in coping with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease); still bubbly and effervescent and determined to continue on her fundraising mission.
Meanwhile, president Bruce Gunn had the pleasure of presenting honorary membership to Eddie Robertson.
Eddie became a member of the club in October 1980 and it was with a heavy heart he resigned early this year.
He maintains the club history site and has records going back 51 years – plenty of nostalgia for some of the members.
This will allow Eddie to retain his link with the club and stay in contact with the many friends he has made over the years.