Stars come out For The Love of Eilidh
‘Incredible’night of talent as dream is almost realised
Eilidh, second left, with mum Nicole, brother Lewis, sister Hanna and dad Gordon
A star-studded line-up took to the stage of the Macrobert on Saturday night inspired by the final wish of a popular teenager.
Corrie star Debra Stephenson, comedian Andy Cameron, top Scots band The Fratellis and Voice winner Stevie McCrorie were among those performing in the sixth For the Love Of Eilidh concert.
The event is named after Stirling girl Eilidh Brown, who lost her battle with cancer 10 years ago.
Eilidh’s dad, actor Gordon Brown, said:“The concert is the cornerstone of our fundraising and an ideal chance for people to have a wonderful night jam- packed with top-quality entertainment and also to see what we have been doing with the money they have all raised for Eilidh.
“The whole night was incredible, the best yet, even though we say that every year. Every performer was outstanding and the love in the audience was so strong.
“The stage management team were exceptional. They even hid from me the fact that due to technical issues it was almost cancelled - but they did everything to make sure it went on.”
Eilidh – described by friends and family as a“shining example and spectacular person, selfless, strong, positive and funny with an amazing understanding of the world”– lost her fight for life on March 25, 2010, nine days before her 16th birthday.
Eilidh and her family, from St Ninians, had spent quality time at respite home Calum’s Cabin on the Isle of Bute during her illness and, while thinking of how they could honour her wish that they help others, parents Gordon and Nicole felt creating a similar holiday home nearer Stirling would offer other young cancer patients and their families the same benefits.
The dream has now almost been realised, with the new building at Munnieston Farm at Thornhill set to be completed this year and hopes of the first families enjoying it by summer.
When first speaking about their idea in 2010 Gordon and Nicole didn’t have any expectations and knew despite the support of friends and family, it would take the people of Stirling getting behind them to achieve the dream.
Since then locals have done just that, raising the bulk of over £600,000 gathered so far for the Eilidh Brown Fund.
Other stars who came out in support at Saturday’s concert included River City’s Tom Urie, Paul Riley from Still Game, and X Factor’s Melanie Masson plus there were special performances from Stageworx, Dance School of Scotland, the GeO Gospel Choir and more. Compere for the evening was actor Alan McHugh, who starred alongside Gordon in the iconic STV show, Take the High Road.
There was also a free after-show party.
“What an amazing night,”added Gordon.“It was so good to see so many people dancing the night away into the early hours.
“Thank you to everyone who came to‘tread the boards’once again. They were all incredible and we are so grateful to every one of them.
“Thank you to every single person who came along and supported us. Seeing so many people having such an incredible time and being so generous and giving is so humbling. We can not thank you enough and 2020 is Eilidh’s year.
“We have always said building this home is something we wish we hadn’t had to think of doing but Eilidh wanted us to help others and we are determined that is what it will do.”
Tables are now on sale for the charity’s‘Diamonds are Forever’Summer Ball on August 29.
More details at http:// www.eilidhbrown.co. uk/news-events/