It’s a million for Mary as charity hits milestone

DUNFERMLINE: Provost’s pride as original target is passed 10 times over

A charity set up by Fife provost and Pars legend Jim Leishman in memory of his wife has raised £1 million.

The seven-figure milestone was hit on Saturday at a ball on the ninth anniversary of Mary Leishman’s death.

Elated supporters of the Mary Leishman Foundation toasted the figure, 10 times the original target, at the black tie event in Dunfermline’s Glen Pavilion.

Former Dunfermline manager Jim, who was joined by fellow trustees, family, friends and others who have helped raised money for the cause, said his late wife would have been delighted.

Mary died of cancer at the age of 53 on February 24 2009, the couple’s 30th wedding anniversary.

Jim said: “She did a lot of work for charity herself and would have been really pleased to see how we are helping other people.”

The foundation was launched just weeks after Mary’s death and that summer held its first 81-mile walk of the Fife Coastal Path, the annual Dander for Mary.

It set its sights on raising £100,000 for local good causes.

At Saturday’s ball, supporters were shown a film highlighting where money has been spent, including Inverkeithing youngsters Finley and Skye Davidson, who competed in the World Dwarf Games in Canada.

Jim said: “When we set off nine years ago, we didn’t expect to raise this amazing amount. It is unbelievable.

“It has been a great effort by everyone involved, whether they have donated £1 or raised thousands of pounds.

“When you get messages from the people we have helped, it makes you very humble, very proud.”

“we didn’t expect to raise this amazing amount

Trustees are determined to continue raising even more money, with the next event less than a fortnight away.

Motown for Mary will be held in the Glen Pavilion on March 10, with music from Sarah Collins and Keep the Faith.

Over the charity’s nine years, a series of events has been supported by a long list of sporting heroes, including Sir Alex Ferguson.

cpeebles@thecourier.co.uk

Picture: Wullie Marr. Jim Leishman, centre, and his family at the Margaret Leishman Foundation ball in Dunfermline, which helped the foundation smash the £1 million barrier.