Generous gesture from town couple
A Blantyre charity has been boosted by some kind-hearted festive family donations.
The Haven was delighted to receive a very generous sum from locals Jude and Nigel Irwin (pictured with Haven fundraiser Scott Cunningham, centre) after they recently visited the centre.
They wanted to give a little something back to charity for the support they have been receiving over the years and therefore asked family members to forego Christmas gifts and instead make a donation.
Jude explained: “The Haven has continued to support our family, including our young son over the years, and helped us find the ‘right’ space for cancer in our lives.
“So, we decided to ask the adult members of our family to consider donating money to the charity instead of buying us a Christmas gift and also asked if they would be willing to forego presents from us and we’d donate too. Of course, they said yes. It was the right thing to do and was much less work for them!
“We were delighted to be able to present £330 to The Haven as a result of everyone’s generosity and we know the money will be put to good use. We wish all those who use Haven services well and give our sincere thanks go to every member of the Haven team.”
Haven fundraising officer Scott was overwhelmed with the gesture and said: “This is incredibly kind of Jude and Nigel and everyone here at The Haven is extremely grateful.
“Jude and Nigel have been very generous supporters over the years and this thoughtful festive gesture is testament to what The Haven means to each of them. I would also like to extend our gratitude to the wider family for choosing to support The Haven.
“The diagnosis of a life-limiting illness is a life-changing event, not only for the individual but for the whole family and those closest to that person.
“The support from very kind families like the Irwins has helped The Haven to continue to deliver much-needed services to individuals and families across Lanarkshire, and beyond, for the last 17 years.”
The Haven, a registered charity, provides support to people affected by a range of life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease and dementia as well as to their family members and carers, supporting people across the whole of North and South Lanarkshire through drop=in centres in Blantyre, Wishaw and Forth.
There is no need for a medical referral and all services are provided free of charge and are totally confidential.
To find out more about Haven support services, visit www.thehavencentre.com or call 01698 727884.