Eilidh’s Fund soars over £200,000 Advertiserreporter’scheque booststotalpastmilestone
A fund which was set up in memory of a Hamilton student has reached over £200,000.
Eilidh Mchugh was just 22 when she died last March soon after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Months earlier, she had graduated with first-class honours in pharmacy from Strathclyde University and was looking forward to starting her career.
Eilidh’s family vowed to make a difference to people’s lives in her name and set up ‘Eilidh’s Fund’ shortly after she passed away.
Elaine feels that raising the incredible amount of cash for the Beatson Cancer Charity helped the family cope with their grief at losing their beloved Eilidh.
She said: “We are on a journey from our tragic loss to giving hope in Eilidh’s name. Reaching £200,000 is a crucial milestone, only possible by the combination of generosity, compassion and sheer determination of everyone in Team Eilidh.
“We are very proud indeed to honour our beautiful daughter and sister.”
And this week, it was a donation from Hamilton Advertiser reporter Kirsten Mcstay that brought the total raised to over £200,000.
She first met Eilidh’s family the day before their daughter’s funeral and has been writing articles on their fundraising efforts ever since.
Kirsten decided to do something in Eilidh’s name herself and raised £2365 when she ran the September.
She went along to the Beatson Cancer Charity headquarters on Monday to present Eilidh’s mum Elaine with a cheque for the amount.
Kirsten said: “I am delighted that my donation helped Eilidh’s Fund surpass the £200,000 mark.
“Team Eilidh’s fundraising efforts are absolutely outstanding and I’m sure Eilidh would be beyond proud of every single one of them.
“I’m thrilled to be part of it, and I will continue to fundraise in Eilidh’s name. Who knows, I may or may not have signed up for a half-marathon next year!”
Eilidh’s friends and family have held many different events over the last year-and-a-half from a Hamilten 10k in ‘Tartan and Tiara run.
Director of communication for the Beatson, Louise White, said: “Team Eilidh are absolutely inspiring and I am so glad to be part of it. We are so grateful to the Mchugh family and friends for their outstanding and continued support. Beatson Cancer Charity helps people affected by cancer, cope at the most challenging time in their lives.
“The generosity and determination of everyone across Lanarkshire and beyond who has donated to Eilidh’s Fund, is nothing short of remarkable.
“Well done Kirsten for getting on the running shoes and taking part in the Hamilten. Your efforts are very much appreciated. Thank you!” ball’ to a fun