Lighting up their lives Tattooists have designs on charity cash
Aid to dementia patients
Members of Linlithgow Grange Rotary Club have launched a campaign to light up the lives of people with dementia.
The club has unveiled its latest fundraising drive, the Tree of Light, which will raise cash for three local charities while bringing some Christmas spirit to the town centre.
Gordon Young, of the Rotary Tree of Light Committee, said: “In West Lothian alone, Carers of West Lothian, have 900 carers registered with them who are in the position of providing care for someone with dementia, a number of whom live in the Linlithgow area. Courses helping carers manage changing relationships, deal with feelings of guilt and cope with stress can have a profound effect on a carer’s life and their ability to continue in their caring role for as long as possible.
“Sometimes particularly challenging aspects of the condition requires care in a specialist dementia unit where patients can either be admitted for a period of assessment or as part of a continuing care plan.
“Maple Villa in Craigshill is a joint initiative run by West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership who run this male unit comprising of 30 single en-suite rooms with programmes in place led by a dedicated activities nurse that help to enhance the patient’s experience.
“The volunteers and staff at St Michael’s Day Care Centre work tirelessly to create a warm, homely and welcoming experience for those that attend.
“Me a n i n g f u l and therapeutic activities are provided which helps to keep their minds and bodies as active as possible and in 2017, the centre moves to its new home in the fully refurbished County Buildings, a move that is sure to create some additional funding challenges to this charitable body.”
Gordon continued: “These are three worthy causes that deserve the public’s support and thanks to the co-operation of Linlithgow Town Centre BID, which decorated the trees along Linlithgow’s High Street with a myriad of diamond-white lights, Linlithgow Grange Rotary has been allowed to adopt the tree outside the library as its special tree.
“With additional blue lighting adorning the tree and, adjacent, the library window displaying a Roll of Dedication, it is hoped that this corner of Linlithgow will demonstrate that there is hope and light in the darkest of circumstances.”
The set- up costs of the additional lights, publicity and administration have been fully met by the generosity of Robert Bennie and Sons, Stewart Electrical, RGM Solicitors, Linlithgow Post Office, JMK Print and Design, and other sponsors.
This means that every penny donated by the families and friends who have requested the dedications will be shared equally amongst the three good causes. The Tree of Light will be illuminated on Saturday (November 26) but dedications can be bought from the website, www. linlithgowtreeoflight.org.uk. Tattoo artists were on point when they raised an impressive £1600 for children with special needs.
The owners of Inkwell Tattoo Studio in East Calder joined tattooists from Heaven and Hell and Three Daggers studios in raising the cash, which will be split equally between Beatlie and Ogilvie schools.
The money was raised through a Charity Ribbon Day on Sunday, October 30 when artists tattooed ribbons on customers of their colour or choice for a £20 donation.
Charlie Irvin and Robyn Jackson of Inkwell said: “Firstly though I would like to offer a massive thanks to the great group of people who gave up their time free of charge and who made this event a success; Robyn Jackson, Zara Dickson, Logan Mcdonald, Carlanna Maxwell, Sarah Alexander, Alana Dee, Chloée Davidson and Mark Deans.
This year we have set a new record of £1600
“Thanks also to Davie Walls for coming down to take some photos and Holly Armstrong for providing us with our lunch. Final thanks goes to Barber DTS who were kind enough to send us some needles and grips.
“The biggest thanks goes to the amazing people who came along, donated their hard- earned cash and showed their support by getting tattooed. Some people also contributed without getting tattooed and others gave extra.
“It never fails to impress us how generous and supportive people can be and this year we have set a new record of £1600.
“This will be split equally between Beatlie School and Ogilvie School Campus who, Im sure, will put it to good use for the children.”