Cancer charity says cheers to 45 years
Members of the Mairi Semple Cancer Fund committee thanked the community for 45 years of support at the charity’s sapphire anniversary ceilidh.
About 70 people danced the night away at the event in Campbeltown Town Hall last Saturday evening, where the soundtrack was provided by Rhuvaal, playing a mix of covers and ceilidh dances.
Lorna McKinven, of party supply company Shindig, created special blue table decorations to tie in with the fund’s special sapphire anniversary theme.
The Mairi Semple Cancer Fund was established 45 years ago to provide relief for residents in the Kintyre area who are suffering from any type of cancer.
The fund struggled following the pandemic, however, committee members have been able to organise more fundraising events recently thanks to support from the Campbeltown Community Windfarm Fund, which funded the ceilidh and a recent casino night.
The Mairi Semple Cancer Fund paid out £30,000 in aid last year, meaning the continued support it receives is hugely important.
More than £1,600 was raised at the anniversary ceilidh between tickets sales, a raffle – to which Jamie McLean kindly donated £100 to be raffled – and a whisky coin toss.
“The committee is so grateful to the local community for always turning out and supporting our fundraisers,” said Jane Millar, company secretary.
“We hope to have another few fundraisers this year, including our annual charity walk which will be on Sunday April 2 at Westport.”
The fund is having its annual general meeting on Monday
April 24 at 8pm at Tayinloan Village Hall. The AGM is open to the public, and people are welcome to attend to hear about what the fund has achieved in the last year.
The fund also has spaces on the committee for anyone looking to get more involved.