Glasgow Times

X Factor star Nicholas backs ladies fundraiser to honour aunt’s legacy

- BY NIALL CHRISTIE

A SCOTTISH singer and former X Factor contestant has vowed to help a charitable cause close to his own heart.

Talent show runner-up Nicholas McDonald has offered his support to those with spina bifida in honour of his aunt Yvonne who sadly passed away from the condition.

Spina bifida is a fault in the spinal column in which one or more vertebrae do not form properly, causing damage to the nervous system.

It is a lifelong condition, which affects around one in every 1000 pregnancie­s in Scotland and can lead to weakness or total paralysis of the legs.

After the passing of the 22-year-old’s aunt, Nicholas is getting more involved in charity work with Spina Bifida Hydrocepha­lus (SBH) Scotland to help those affected by the condition.

He said: “My aunt Yvonne was born with spina bifida and sadly passed away. She was a very inspiratio­nal woman, who brought so much joy to the people around her.

“I wanted to use my profile to help others affected by the conditions and contacted SBH Scotland to explore ways I could be involved.

“Luckily, I was able to combine my passion for singing with my mission to raise awareness of the condition.”

The Wishaw-born performer is now due to perform at the annual SBH Scotland Ladies Who Give An F* event, being held on Sunday, June 2, at the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow. Now in its 13th year, the event is expected to attract more than 300 women who will enjoy an afternoon of fun, games, good food and dancing.

The annual lunch was created as part of SBH Scotland’s Honorary Patron Gordon Ramsay’s appeal where F stands for Fundraisin­g.

It will be hosted by TV celebrity and interior designer John Amabile, a long-standing supporter and ambassador of the charity. Renowned Glasgow entertaine­r and Britain’s Got Talent hopeful Edward Reid will also take to the stage.

Nicholas added: “It is a cause that is very close to my heart and it is important to me that I do my best to spread the message and give back to an organisati­on which has helped so many people cope.

“Ladies lunches are always such a laugh. There’s great energy, and even better dancing. I know it is something Yvonne would have loved to have been a part of.”

SBH Scotland offers a lifetime commitment of support and informatio­n to all those

letters@ eveningtim­es. co.uk or

on Facebook or Twitter in Scotland affected by the lifelong, complex disabiliti­es of spina bifida and hydrocepha­lus.

The charity needs to raise £1million every year to continue the crucial services it provides to more than 3,500 people in Scotland.

Deborah Roe, fundraisin­g director at SBH Scotland, said: “Our fabulous female supporters are so generous and the annual ladies’ lunch is a great afternoon of fun, dancing and fundraisin­g.

“To have Nicholas on board will only add to the excitement.”

 ??  ?? Nicholas was delighted to lend his backing to the charity which needs to raise £1m a year to help sufferers
Nicholas was delighted to lend his backing to the charity which needs to raise £1m a year to help sufferers

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