Tribute to bowel cancer victim
More than 100 people gathered for a cuppa and to raise funds in memory of a much-loved Murray man.
The annual Tea for Stewart event – in memory of Stewart Smith – raised nearly £2000. The fundraiser began in 2014 after Stewart died from bowel cancer aged just 28.
Mum Mary and Stewart’s wife Geraldine came up with the idea to raise money for The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK which specialises in research of treatment for bowel cancer.
And the JustGiving page set up by them in memory of Stewart – The Grambler’s Kick Cancer’s Backside Fund – has now reached nearly £39,000 in donations.
The sun shone at Mary’s Murray home and because the garden isn’t quite big enough to hold 100 people at once, four ‘sittings’ were organised.
Everyone who attended was treated to sandwiches, savoury tarts, cakes, tea and even a glass of sangria if they wished.
Although the event itself is free, a collection is taken for Cancer Research UK and this year proved to be the most successful yet.
Mary told the News: “The tea is also aimed at raising awareness that bowel cancer can affect young people as well as old. Stewart was only 26 when he was diagnosed with the disease and 28 when it killed him.
“Myself and Geraldine would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteer helpers who worked so hard to make the day run smoothly.
“We would also like to thank Morrisons Stewartfield for their donation and Warburton’s bakery for supplying the bread for the event.
“Most of all we want to thank everyone who attended for their generosity in their donations to the fund.”
Mary added: “Stewart fought a horrendous battle for more than two years, defeating septicaemia, multiorgan failure, antibiotic-induced hearing loss, kidney failure and countless other complications with a bravery none of us will ever see again.
“Stewart was an amazing person – a wonderful husband, a fantastic brother, a loving son and an adored uncle.
“He was also a brilliant friend and colleague and will be missed by so many people. His family are determined that his death will never be in vain and are doing their part to beat bowel cancer for good.”
To follow Geraldine and Mary’s fundraising efforts, visit www.justgiving. com/fundraising/geraldine-smith3 A Miss Scotland finalist is holding a fundraising night for a cause close to her heart.
Paula McCormack, from near Chapelton, is raising money for the Beatson in Glasgow where her grandad was treated for bowel cancer.
The cash will go to the radiotherapy research centre.
Paula’s grandad, Peter Hay, passed away at the beginning of the year and now the former Duncanrig pupil wants to use her time as a Miss Scotland finalist to raise as much cash as possible.
So the 22-year-old has organised a charity night on August 4 in Sinatras in East Kilbride town centre with DJ George Bowie in attendance.
Paula said: “I realised that Miss Scotland was a great vehicle for raising funds for charity.
“And if it wasn’t for my grandad, I wouldn’t be where I am today so that’s why I chose the Beatson, which was where he had his treatment.
“The charity night is shaping up to be a great night and we hope we can get as much support as possible.
For tickets for the charity night in Sinatras contact Paula on email om paularachelmccormack@ hotmail.co.uk