Ladies hold night for MND research funds
Shaking collection buckets to boost a worthy cause
Two local women have helped out a great cause after holding a charity evening.
Last year the Reformer reported on how Irene O’Malley and Charlene Craig had held a fun day at King’s Park primary for MND Scotland.
This year the duo decided to have another fundraiser, and gave it a Scottish theme.
Charlene’s husband Mark was diagnosed with motor neurone disease three years ago.
The 41 year old is now confined to a wheelchair when he goes out because of the condition.
Charlene, who stays in Castlemilk, and Irene, who is from King’s Park, decided to arrange a day to help raise both money and awareness of the condition, and they were happy to have a second day this year.
Irene said: “After last year we thought about doing another one because the day at King’s Park primary went so well.
“This time we had a different theme, and we held it at the King’s Park hotel.
“We thought a Scottish theme would work well, so we had a celidh band performing.
“My son Connor did a few songs on the piano and we got a bagpiper, John Mason, to pipe everyone in at the start.
“It was a dinner/dance, and we had a raffle and auction too.
“It’s something we’re looking to do every year and it’s really to get the awareness going about MND and what it does, as well as raise some money too.”
Irene was delighted at the support they got from other companies and football clubs, who supported the day.
She added: “We went around various companies and had a fantastic auction.
“At the last minute Charlie Miller gave us a signed Rangers top that we were able to auction off , while Celtic gave us tickets and a tour and we got tours for Ibrox and Hampden too.
“We had paintings and various art prints as well as vouchers from Thomas Cook, Smile Again in King’s Park, JD Wetherspoons and other restaurants.
“Tunnock’s donated teacakes and a company called Trailblazing donated some Craig Hill tickets.
“We’’d also like to thank Angelina from AO Studios who came along and took some photos, Robert Bamford who acted as our auctioneer and Charlene’s sister Donna who printed off all the tickets and menus for the night.”
MND Scotland is the only Scottish charity providing care and support to people with Motor Neurone Disease ( MND), their families, friends and carers.
They provide a wide range of services, information about MND, and funding for research.
Through education, campaigning and research, they work collaboratively to ensure that people affected by MND have access to the highest quality care and support.
More information on MND Scotland can be found at http://www.mndscotland. org.uk/