March to save House
Hundreds hit the streets on Sunday for an emotional protest aimed at saving Malcolm Sargent House.
The demo comes as cash- strapped charity bosses bid to close the holiday home for cancerstricken children.
But young and old braved the pouring rain to bring Prestwick to a standstill for their powerful defence of the House.
Councillor Hugh Hunter said: “The loss of Malcolm Sargent House will be a blow to the many people it supports.”
On a bleak afternoon, the mood was anything but sombre.
Hundreds of people had pledged to rally on the streets of Prestwick to make their voices heard over Malcolm Sargent House.
And rally they did in the pouring rain.
The message being sent to charity bosses at CLIC Sargent in London was loud and clear.
This community is not prepared to roll over and accept the closure of a much- loved facility without a fight.
Young and old were part of the procession which snaked through the streets on Sunday – even halting traffic in the town’s Main Street.
Organisers praised the dedication and mood of those turning out, labelling it “the essence of a peaceful protest”.
Banners, placards and t- shirts all carried the same message – saving the famous House is the only option on the agenda.
Despite the torrential downpour, the massed ranks gathered on the town’s seafront to make a powerful statement.
Led through the streets by the sound of piper Dick Milligan, protestors amassed in front of the House itself – the building now lying empty.
And there, to the backdrop of only rainfall and pin drops, they listened as speakers issued the rallying cry.
Long- time House volunteers Eileen Granger and Billy Herd made emotional appeals to continue he fight.
Former South of Scotland MSP Chic Brodie reminded charity chiefs that
MSH has – and always will be – “about the children”.
Whether those who are set to the wield the axe were either watching or listening from afar remains to be seen.
But charity CEO Kate Lee, the woman under most pressure over the proposed closure, will now face more demands than ever to find an alternative.
She has a huge financial deficit to bridge – but the charity’s choice of targeting Malcolm Sargent House is, as Sunday proves, being met with the strongest possible resistance.
Now, as a 30- day consultation period on the House enters its final furlong, the race is undoubtedly reaching the business end.
And the people of Prestwick and beyond have delivered their verdict.
The question now is whether their voices will be heard.