Family’s Chas efforts recognised

The fundraising efforts of a Tayside family have been recognised in the Scottish Parliament.

The Sutties have raised £6,800 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland.

They collected the money in memory of their baby daughter Jessica, who died when she was aged just eight months old.

Jessica was diagnosed with Zellweger Syndrome soon after she and twin sister Georgia were born on Hogmanay 2016.

The rare genetic condition can affect many parts of the body and reduces peroxisomes, which are involved in the oxidation of cells and the breakdown of fatty acids.

Not long after the diagnosis the family visited Chas Rachel House in Kinross for care. It was there that Jessica spent her last days before her death in September last year.

The Broughty Ferry family decided to mark the anniversary with a Butterfly Ball in her honour.

Their fundraising was highlighted by North East region MSP Bill Bowman in Holyrood, with a motion in the Scottish Parliament.

The Scottish Conservative MSP said: “I have great sympathy for the Sutties and I am inspired by how they have turned a heartbreaking loss into something which will help other families in a similar position.

“Chas Rachel House has been a beacon of hope for them and I’m sure this fantastic sum will help many others in their time of need.”