Natz the way to do it for fundraising team
A Wishaw fundraising group set up in memory of a young girl is celebrating a huge win at a national award ceremony.
The Funky Natz Foundation won the Voluntary Fundraising Group of the Year award at the 2018 Scottish Fundraising Awards.
Held at the Doubletree by Hilton in Glasgow on October 2, the committee group of 10 friends were recognised for their amazing efforts over the last seven years which has seen them raise almost £80,000 for Epilepsy Scotland.
Iain Cairns, part of the committee and the uncle of Natalie Hughes whose death inspired the foundation’s formation, said he couldn’t believe they picked up the prize.
He said: “We were all in tears, even me who was in Kos at the time.
“I was on the phone listening in and then got a call back when everyone calmed down.
“We were totally surprised and absolutely humbled by it.
“A friend of ours summed it all up perfectly – it’s amazing what a bunch of normal guys from Wishy can do when they are motivated and determined.”
The Funky Natz Foundation’s main fundraising event is an annual golf charity competition held at Wishaw Golf Club.
That is contested every year as part of a continuing fundraising drive which parents Eddie and Eileen Hughes began, following the sudden death of their beloved daughter, Natalie.
Although not identified as the cause of the tragedy, Natalie was diagnosed as having epilepsy and her devastated family decided to help raise awareness and much-needed funds to tackle the condition.
Iain added: “We started the Funky Natz Foundation with a target of raising £ 10,000 in memory of Natalie.
“The amount raised is so far is over £70,000 and our new target must now be £100,000. This win has made us all determined to get there.”
Robyn Friel, head of fundraising at Epilepsy Scotland, thanked the foundation for their continued support that helps people across the country.
She said: “We are so grateful to each of the Funky Natz committee members and delighted they have been recognised for their passion, dedication and hard work.
“Epilepsy Scotland are so proud to be a part of Funky Natz. The golf day is one of the highlights of our year and knowing that we can rely on the committee to raise money each year means we can plan and deliver our services.
“The money raised makes a huge difference to the work that we can do. Without it we might not be able to deliver some of our lifeline services.”
We were all in tears ... we were totally surprised and absolutely humbled - Iain Cairns