charity partnership – Page 2 – The NEN

Specsavers strikes a chord with music therapy charity partnership

Callum Beattie meets music therapy participant supported by £50,000 Specsavers donation ahead of Scottish Music Awards

SPECSAVERS has named music therapy charity, Nordoff and Robbins, as its official charity partner for Scotland.

The high street opticians and audiologists has made a £50,000 donation to bolster the charity’s services across Scotland. Their work has pioneered music therapy for the past 60 years, harnessing the power of music to help break through the barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation.

Laura Baird, a Specsavers store director, says: ‘Nordoff and Robbins helps people connect through their senses, which closely reflects the work we do at Specsavers.

‘We are delighted to make this donation to the charity, knowing that it will directly help people all across Scotland who depend on music therapy to enhance their quality of life.’

Laura, along with Scots singer-songwriter and charity ambassador Callum Beattie, attended a music therapy session to learn first-hand how Specsavers’ donation will help Nordoff and Robbins support its Scottish clients.

The session took place at St. Andrews Hospice in Airdrie with Frank Fennessey who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013. Frank has enjoyed playing the bass guitar throughout his life and is able to continue doing so with support from a Nordoff and Robbins music therapist.

Callum, who released his second album ‘Vandals’ earlier this year, says: ‘Music helps me express emotions and thoughts that I sometimes find hard to put to words. Playing together with Frank during our session was so special. I could see his face light up and confidence soar.

‘Music is incredible for self-expression and allows people to connect, even when words fail. The donation from Specsavers will allow people like Frank to continue to benefit from music therapy sessions right across Scotland.’

Frank has been attending music therapy sessions for five years since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He says: ‘I bought my first bass guitar when I was 15-years-old, having been a huge rock and roll fan.

“I played in local bands my whole life. After I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s I didn’t play for a few years until I started my Nordoff and Robbins’ music therapy sessions at St. Andrews Hospice.

‘My music therapist really takes her time with me, showing me how to adapt and play at a pace that I can manage. I’m back to playing every day and my music therapy sessions are something I look forward to every week.’

Sally Fennessey, Frank’s wife, is looking forward to celebrating 44 years of marriage this year. She says: ‘The music therapy sessions have made a huge difference to Frank. It gives him something to focus on and a chance to socialise with others.

“It’s also a huge confidence boost. I’ve never been so happy to hear him play Led Zeppelin in the spare room at home.’

Laura, who is the store director at Specsavers Wishaw, adds: ‘It’s great being able to see the joy music therapy is bringing to the people who need it in our local community, right here in North Lanarkshire.‘

Specsavers’ donation will support a range of endeavors, from the acquisition of new instruments, to the training of new music therapists, to better facilitate Nordoff and Robbins’ work with people throughout Scotland who use its services.

The charity’s work can be transformative for a wide range of people, from an adult with dementia reconnecting with family to a neurodivergent child expressing themselves through music.

Sandy Trappitt, deputy director of fundraising at Nordoff and Robbins, says: ‘We are hugely appreciative for the charitable donation from Specsavers.

“The much-needed cash boost will positively impact our service offering across Scotland, helping ensure that everyone who could benefit from music therapy does.

‘Music therapy allows people to express themselves and share a connection and we hear daily from clients and families about the incredible benefits it provides. Music is a universal language which everyone deserves to enjoy.’

Specsavers’ optical and audiology expertise can be easily accessed throughout Scotland at its 80 locally-owned stores. Those unable to attend a Specsavers store unaccompanied can receive the same eye care at home via its Home Visits service. Specsavers Home Visits covers more than 90% of the UK.

For more information on Specsavers, please visit www.specsavers.co.uk

Graeme Souness backs Rangers x BHF charity partnership

Graeme Souness urges Scotland football fans to look after their heart health as he backs British Heart Foundation Scotland as Rangers Charity Foundation’s new charity partner  

  Ahead of World Heart Day tomorrow (29 September), former Rangers player and manager, Graeme Souness, is urging Scottish football fans to look after their heart health as he backs British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland as the Rangers Charity Foundation’s new national charity partner.

The partnership will last for the 2023/24 season with the Foundation pledging to raise £25,000 for BHF Scotland.

It will also help raise awareness of heart and circulatory diseases – conditions which are some of the nation’s biggest killers, causing around 50 deaths each day, and are estimated to affect 700,000 people in Scotland.

David McColgan, Head of British Heart Foundation Scotland commented: “We’re delighted the Rangers Charity Foundation has chosen BHF Scotland as its national charity partner for the season.

“Heart and circulatory diseases are some of Scotland’s biggest killers and we hope this partnership will help us raise awareness in Scotland’s footballing community about the importance of looking after your heart health, while also enabling more people to learn lifesaving CPR skills and raise an incredible amount of money for the British Heart Foundation.”

Graeme Souness has personal experience of heart disease and understands first-hand how important the lifesaving research the BHF helps to fund is.

The football legend said: “I was diagnosed with coronary heart disease at 38 and had a triple bypass. When I was diagnosed, I was extremely fit. I never thought I’d be the type of person to get heart disease, but if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.

“Ten years later, I had a stent fitted as another one of my arteries had become blocked. Then in November 2015, I was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack at home.

“Thankfully, I’m now OK, but without the research the BHF has helped fund into heart and circulatory diseases, it could have been a different story.”

The charity partnership will also encourage at least 50,000 people – the capacity of Ibrox Stadium – to learn lifesaving CPR via the BHF’s free online tool, RevivR.

RevivR allows people to learn CPR in just 15 minutes and aims to give people the skills and confidence to save a life. It teaches people how to recognise a cardiac arrest, gives feedback on chest compressions and outlines the correct steps in using a defibrillator. All people need is a mobile phone and a firm cushion.

The Rangers Charity Foundation will be spreading the word about the RevivR app, which can be downloaded at www.rangerscharity.org.uk/Revivr, to supporters and the wider public throughout the season.

Rangers Charity Foundation Chief Executive Connal Cochrane added: “The work of the British Heart Foundation Scotland aligns closely with the Foundation’s strategic priorities in terms of health and well-being and education and we are delighted to be able to combine both these pillars in a project which will roll out life-saving skills to thousands of fans.

“Our donation this season will support the British Heart Foundation’s RevivR app which is a really simple, easy way to learn key skills in your own home which could save a life.

“We also look forward to working with the British Heart Foundation on a number of other initiatives over the course of the season, such as providing free blood pressure checks at some home games for fans and sharing important information about heart health and where to go for help and advice.”

For more information about the British Heart Foundation visit: bhf.org.uk or to find out more about the Rangers Charity Foundation visit: rangerscharity.org.uk

St James Quarter announces two-year charity partnership with Edinburgh Women’s Aid and Health in Mind

As part of St James Quarter’s commitment to putting the local community at its heart, Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid have been named as the Quarter’s charity partners for 2023 – 2025.

Throughout the two-year partnership, St James Quarter will work closely with the charities, putting a spotlight on their important work, raising awareness of their services and the support they offer, hosting fundraising activities and events, and dedicating time to volunteering, to make a difference in the local community and beyond.

Edinburgh Women’s Aid provides support and refuge to women and children affected by domestic abuse, helping over 2,000 women and 250 children each year. Through the partnership, St James Quarter aims to raise awareness of issues relating to domestic violence and the incredibly valuable services the charity offers, including, employability support, legal support, safe refuge and support groups to promote positive wellbeing and recovery.

Health in Mind is a leading Scottish mental health charity based in Edinburgh, with a vision that everyone in Scotland should have positive mental health and wellbeing, and can access high-quality support if, when and how they need it.

Recognising the far-reaching impact of mental health, St James Quarter hopes that this partnership will shine a light on the many resources and support services that Health in Mind offer, and the real difference they can make to people’s lives.

Alex McGinness, Technical Services Director and Corporate Social Responsibility Chair at St James Quarter says, “St James Quarter is committed to supporting charities that do incredible and valuable work in the city and beyond and we’re extremely proud to be partnering with Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid for the next two years.

“We will support each organisation’s charitable initiatives and work together on exciting events and activations to raise awareness or funds. The partnerships will also open up training opportunities for our employees on important matters relating to mental health and domestic abuse. The charities are truly doing transformative work and it’s a privilege to be partnering with them”.

Wendy Bates, Chief Executive of Health in Mind says, “Health in Mind has been promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in communities across Edinburgh since 1982 and we’re pleased that now includes the St James Quarter community – from its staff to those who visit.

“St James Quarter is a key venue in Edinburgh and our partnership will have a lasting impact in raising awareness for mental health and wellbeing and our available Health in Mind support.”

Linda Rodgers, Chief Executive Officer at Edinburgh Women’s Aid says, “In our 50th anniversary year, we are absolutely delighted to be partnering with St James Quarter. Both Edinburgh Women’s Aid and St James Quarter are key actors in life in Edinburgh.

“This amazing partnership creates an opportunity for us to jointly signal that supporting women and children to live safely and free from abuse is at the heart of Edinburgh’s community values.”

Both charities will also provide guidance and training to enhance the skills of the St James Quarter team, equipping them to identify and sensitively deal with issues surrounding domestic violence or mental wellbeing in the workplace.

St James Quarter will also leverage its existing partnership with retail and hospitality academy, FUSE, to offer support and to individuals who benefit from the charities and are looking to get into work.

To keep up to date with the latest news and events, download the St James Quarter app here.

Edinburgh developer announces fitting charity partnership

Landmark project paves the way for children’s charity sponsorship

A PREMIUM developer which is transforming the former Royal Hospital for Sick Children building has now announced a partnership with the charity that supported it.

Square & Crescent has officially partnered with Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) after kicking off the careful refurbishment of The Royal Hospital for Sick Children earlier this year.

The premium Edinburgh developer is now an official charity partner of ECHC, which helps seriously ill children across the Lothians by supporting their medical care, mental health, and family’s wellbeing.

ECHC’s former headquarters is one of the buildings being converted within the major Royal Meadows development, which will see the former hospital building transformed into a mix of luxury townhouses and apartments.

Kate Dixon, Corporate & Partnerships Lead at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity said: “Our work is reliant on support from donations, volunteers, and corporate partners so to have the backing of one of Edinburgh’s finest residential developers is extremely valuable to us.

“The former hospital building has a lot of meaning to us and the partnership instantly made sense as it allows us to keep a connection.

“We help thousands of children who visit hospital every year. Being ill and needing hospital care can be difficult, scary, and lonely and we work hard to make the experience as positive as possible.

“Whether it’s bringing pioneering equipment to Scotland, designing a dance class to support children’s physiotherapy, performing theatre in critical care or transforming a clinical area – Square & Crescent’s support is going to be integral to helping us reach every child who comes through the hospital doors.”

To kick off its partnership, the Square & Crescent team are preparing to tackle Edinburgh’s Seven Hills Challenge to raise much needed funds.

The charity was founded in the 1980s where it was based at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children site near Edinburgh’s Meadows, before the hospital’s relocation to Little France in 2021.

The Royal Meadows development is targeted for completion in 2025, and is set to launch a sales suite in late summer this year. It spans across four-acres and is situated one mile from Princes Street and a short walk from Lothian Road, benefitting from a city centre location.

Euan Marshall, Co-Founder and joint Managing Director of Square & Crescent said: “The work Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity is doing is priceless for children and young people across the city and beyond.

“There is a natural link between Royal Meadows and Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, so the partnership already has a special meaning.

“From company-wide challenges to voluntary days and donations, we can’t wait to help in whatever way we can to support the charity’s incredible efforts.”

Square & Crescent is now a widely-regarded residential developer with a primary focus on the acquisition, development and refurbishment of beautiful homes.

For more information on Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, visit:

https://echcharity.org/

For more information on Royal Meadows, or to register interest, please email sales@squareandcrescent.com or call Lesley Coyle on 07586 129184.

For more information on Square & Crescent, visit https://squareandcrescent.com/

wagamama launches iconic veganuary dish with UK food charity partnership

1 million meals to UK charity The Bread and Butter Thing to benefit low income families

wagamama has launched an iconic veganuary dish with a special partnership allowing one million meals to be donated to low income families.

Guests at wagamama know that every veganuary they can expect new and exciting plant-based flavours to nourish them.

And this year is no exception as it launches a new vegan take on its much missed iconic kare lomen dish adding a veganuary flourish to the regular menu which is already more than 50 percent plant based. This will be launched alongside the new charity partnership with The Bread and Butter Thing.

The vegan ‘chicken’ kare lomen is udon noodles served in a nourishing bowl of coconut broth with a chilli kick, and topped with vegan teriyaki ‘chicken’, coriander, beansprouts and cucumber. It is a fresh, fragrant and warming bowl available in all wagamama restaurants and on Deliveroo for this veganuary only.

This year the delicious veganuary dish will be served up alongside a campaign of support initiatives to help nourish local communities across the country through a partnership with food charity The Bread and Butter Thing which supports thousands of families in over eighty locations.

Set up in 2016, The Bread and Butter Thing brings low-cost food to low-income communities. Those in need of support pay a fraction of the cost for food, which is sourced direct from manufacturers and retailers. It has over 40,000 members and redistributes to over 5,000 families a week who typically pay £7.50 for £35 worth of groceries.

The partnership with wagamama will involve projects in its restaurants and out in the community. Overall, it will see the restaurant chain provide support for The Bread and Butter Thing to deliver 1 million meals worth of food to low income families who use the charity to receive a more affordable weekly shop, at a time when the nation needs it more than ever.

wagamama has already supplied food and bespoke recipes cards to The Bread And Butter Thing and the £25,000 wagamama donation will pay for forty one truck journeys with each able to carry 426 tonnes of food with each tonne equating to 2380 meals. A grand total of just over a million meals.

Teaming up to champion The Bread and Butter Thing’s Warm Hub initiative, wagamama will also be providing warm and inclusive community spaces in selected restaurants – offering free sides to families facing difficult choices between heating and eating. While its team members will be volunteering to support local projects and its chefs will provide ‘wok it don’t waste it’ demos and advise on how to cook nourishing and affordable meals.

wagamama CEO, Thomas Heier, said: “At wagamama we believe in the Japanese philosophy of seijaku; finding calm and tranquillity in the midst of activity. In these challenging times it is important that we all continue to nourish ourselves and our communities.

“Typically, every veganuary we like to surprise and delight our guests with a plant-based showstopper, but we know this veganuary is a little bit different for families across the UK, so it is a privilege this year to support local communities through our newly launched partnership with The Bread and Butter Thing.”

Mark Game, CEO of The Bread and Butter Thing said: “We’re delighted to be entering this new partnership with wagamama. Its philosophy of nourishment chimes exactly with The Bread and Butter Thing’s work to ensure that people in low income communities can access healthy, nutritious food for their families.

“By providing both food and funding to support the unseen but vital logistics that go into making The Bread and Butter Thing possible, wagamama will help us deliver over 1 million meals worth of food to our members who are making really difficult decisions between heating and eating, or even keeping a roof over their heads, in the toughest financial crisis of a generation.”

wagamama has always led the way in making delicious plant-based food accessible and full of flavour, being the first multi-site UK restaurant business to offer a vegan menu on the high street.

In the six years following the launch of its vegan menu in October 2017, the proportion of vegan sales has doubled at wagamama. During veganuary 2022 there was a 12% increase in the proportion of vegan sales from the previous month thanks in part to its limited edition exclusive dish the vegan f-ish and chips.

This dish was one of the highest selling vegan mains during January 2022 and compared to the previous veganuary exclusive they saw an 144% increase in guest participation.

In October 2021 wagamama made half its menu plant-based with a mission to continue inspiring and empowering Brits to give plants a go, one bowl at a time.

wagamama has made vegan versions of all their most popular dishes, collaborated with vegan chef Gaz Oakley to bring guests the world’s first vegan ‘egg’, turned watermelon into ‘tuna’ and eliminated red meat from their test kitchen menu in Old Street, London.

Gleneagles Townhouse to partner with homelessness charity Social Bite

Gleneagles Townhouse, the 33-bedroom hotel, all-day restaurant and member’s club on St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, is delighted to announce it’s collaboration with Social Bite, one of Scotland’s leading homelessness charities.

Gleneagles has supported the work of Social Bite since 2018 as corporate partner for its hugely successful mass participation sleep-out and Break The Cycle events, and this new partnership will see their initiatives integrated throughout the Edinburgh Townhouse’s offering; from the restaurant, to staffing, to event support and hotel stays.

Gleneagles Townhouse is also donating a percentage of its joining fee for new members to Social Bite, helping the charity’s ongoing efforts to break the cycle of homelessness in Scotland.

Additionally, the Townhouse will be attributing a donation to Social Bite with every dessert ordered in The Spence, its all-day dining restaurant, and in time working with Social Bite on its Jobs First programme.

This will see the city centre venue employ individuals who have been affected by homelessness in the past. Social Bite provides meaningful jobs to people who have experienced homelessness as an extreme barrier to employment and part of its ongoing work as an organisation is to help those in a similar situation find steady and fulfilling employment, with the aim of 1 in 4 of their own staff to have come from this background themselves.

A £1 contribution per room, per night, will also be added to guest bills for each hotel stay. All proceeds will go towards Social Bite’s work to end homelessness through providing homes, jobs, and food; including support such as providing new furniture and necessary materials to make a house a home within the Social Bite village in nearby Granton.

These initiatives mark the continuation of a mutual collaboration that will be further cemented with a Burns Supper inspired event to be held at Gleneagles in January. The evening will comprise of a live auction, music from London Essentials, and an exclusive menu created by Gleneagles’ and Townhouse’s top chefs, including Simon Attridge and Jonny Wright respectively, as well as a few special guest chefs from Scotland’s vibrant culinary scene.

Commenting on the partnership announcement, Gleneagles’ Managing Director, Conor O’Leary, said: “We are delighted to be working with our friends at Social Bite once again and hope that together, through this new partnership in Edinburgh, we can support and empower individuals across the city to transform their lives.

“We’re really keen to involve Social Bite in as many aspects of our Townhouse offering as possible and look forward to introducing our guests and members to the work they do in our local community.

“Together with some colleagues from both properties, we were delighted to have taken part in the ‘Break the Cycle’ cycling events over the past two years, with collective efforts from our team helping to raise a combined £33,000 – proceeds of which will go towards building two new Social Bite villages.

“We are so proud to play a small part in helping the vital work of Social Bite in our local community and across the UK.”

Co-founder of Social Bite, Josh Littlejohn, said: “This is such an exciting partnership for Social Bite. We’re thrilled to be working with the team at Gleneagles Townhouse.

“It’s a partnership which will undoubtedly make a great impact across our various pioneering projects; raising vital funds to help us build two more Social Bite villages, helping us continue our free-food provision to people in Edinburgh experiencing homelessness and poverty, as well as providing meaningful employment with tailored support.”

Gleneagles Townhouse is the first ever outpost for the iconic Scottish country hotel in its almost 100-year history in Scotland. Based at 39 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, originally home to the British Linen Bank before later becoming the Bank of Scotland, this historic building has been reimagined to become Gleneagles Townhouse; a 33-bedroom hotel, all-day restaurant, rooftop bar, wellness centre and member’s club.

gleneaglestownhouse.com

Opening date for Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger revealed

The much-anticipated launch of Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger restaurant in Edinburgh is due to take place on 1 December but the capital’s eager foodies can grab a sneak-peak and bite to eat when the doors open early on the 28th of November for a charity fundraising day.

The launch day will allow guests to enjoy Scotland’s first Street Burger restaurant with all proceeds going to the restaurant’s charity partner, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland. SBH Scotland Honorary Patron, Gordon Ramsay OBE, has also pledged to match all the proceeds from the day to ensure the charity get an extra special festive funds boost.

In a bid to further bolster the charity partnership, from the 29^th until the end of December, a £1 voluntary donation will be added to diners’ bills at Street Burger as well as the St Andrew Square restaurant, Bread Street Kitchen and Bar.

The funds raised will help SBH Scotland provide vital support to over 4,000 children, young people and adults across Scotland who are affected by the lifelong, complex conditions of spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.

A spokesperson from Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants said: “We have been working on the launch of Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger for a long time and we are very much looking forward to opening the doors to our first burger restaurant in Scotland.

“This special launch day gives us the opportunity to showcase our food whilst giving back to SBH Scotland and supporting all the incredible work the charity does to help families in Scotland.”

Gordon Ramsay became SBH Scotland’s first ever Honorary Patron back in 2003 when he met the organisation’s Chairperson, Dr Margo Whiteford CBE, at the Great North Run. For nearly 20 years, he has continued to support SBH Scotland through charitable donations and appearances.

Dr Margo Whiteford CBE, Chairperson of SBH Scotland, said: “Gordon Ramsay has been a great friend of SBH Scotland for nearly two decades and we remain thankful to him and his restaurant teams for such continued generosity.

“Funds raised at this time of year are crucial for the dedicated support we can provide now and for the next 12 months. As well as our personal home and hospital support, health check clinics, counselling service and groups we’ve also just extended our financial support service for families affected by the cost of living crisis. We heavily rely on fundraising to reach our annual targets and we are grateful for every pound donated.

“This festive season, we hope all diners visiting Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger will be happy to know that every meal they have will help us continue supporting thousands of families at a time when they need it the most.”

For more information on SBH Scotland and Gordon’s festive fundraiser is so important, please visit: https://www.sbhscotland.org.uk/

New partnership will support local isolated older people

Local Aerospace Engineering company chooses LifeCare Edinburgh as its new charity partner
Leonardo employees raising vital funds for isolated older people

Leonardo’s Edinburgh employees have voted to make LifeCare Edinburgh the focus of their charitable fundraising for the next two years.

The renowned charity, which turned 80 last year, supports over 1,000 local older people every year through positive and practical care including registered outreach and day centres, help at home and meals on wheels, carers support and companionship activities.

Through its relationship-based approach the charity supports issues including living with dementia, isolation, reduced mobilities, mental health concerns and those struggling on low-incomes. Services enable local older people to live well and independently in their own homes for longer.

The support from Leonardo will enable LifeCare to continue to deliver these core services at a critical time. The charity recently reported unprecedented levels of referrals across all their care services post-pandemic, with the charity’s Help at Home service experiencing a 250% increase in enquiries. This comes at a time when the cost of running all services is growing significantly.

James Wells, LifeCare’s Chief Executive said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen by Leonardo employees as their charity partner across the next two years.

“Sadly, older people have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Their health and wellbeing have suffered significantly and we are struggling to cope with demand for care and the rising costs of service delivery. None of our services are fully funded and we rely on our fundraising to support our life-affirming services.

“We look forward to working with the team at Leonardo to help them to raise funds for our positive and practical support that older people need to live their lives with extra zest. Also we can help the staff learn more about living with dementia and how then can actively support their affected family members.

“Over 85% of the people we help across the city live alone and without LifeCare, many older people would be left critically isolated. Our services provide the earlier help people need to keep them well in body and mind; helping when things are getting more difficult to manage, centred on the unique needs of each individual.

“We are extremely grateful for every pound raised.”

Mark Stead, SVP, Radar and Advanced Targeting for Leonardo in Edinburgh said: “The relationship-based approach taken by LifeCare to offer holistic support to older people is so vital.

“Our employees will be proud to support their efforts, which deal so attentively not only with each individual’s practical needs, but also with their sense of confidence, independence and quality of life.

“So many factors are affecting older people and their families in today’s challenging post pandemic climate and we will be striving to raise as much as we can for this important charity.”

LifeCare is a registered charity and relies on the support of its generous funders. In addition to Leonardo’s support, LifeCare receives funding from The Bank of Scotland Foundation, The Wolfson Foundation and The Stafford Trust.

LifeCare also runs a busy community hub and café on Cheyne Street in Stockbridge with all proceeds going towards the organisation’s core services.

For more information about LifeCare’s services visit https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/ or call 0131 343 0940 to chat with the friendly team.

Hearts fan shares MND diagnosis

Lifelong Heart of Midlothian supporter, Stevie Morris, is speaking out about his diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) to raise awareness, in support of the Club’s partnership with MND Scotland.

Thanks to an innovative sponsorship deal with Dell Technologies, MND Scotland’s logo is taking pride of place on the front of the Hearts home kit for the 2021/22 season. To help raise more awareness, Stevie, from Mid Calder, is sharing his experience of living with MND and what the partnership means to him and his family.

Before being diagnosed with MND, the Tynecastle Park season ticket holder used to love playing sport, including football, walking football and golf multiple times a week.

He said: “I used to live a very active life before my diagnosis, and it has been really tough having my ability to play sport gradually fade away to the point where I just can’t do it anymore.

“I’m someone who likes to take care of their garden, but this past gardening season I was even starting to find mowing the lawn to be too much.”

Stevie, who is married to Mary (61) and dad to Craig (37), used to attend every Hearts game, both home and away, but due to his worsening condition, is sadly unable to travel to watch away games anymore.

“Hearts has always been a huge part of my life. It’s really important to me and I used to love travelling to the games on the Livingston Hearts supporter’s bus, but I can’t do that now. The walk to the ground from the bus is just too far. Even going to home games, I have to get dropped off right at the entrance and am in the process of moving my season ticket seat, so I don’t have to walk as far.

“Right now, I am still able to get down to the pub on a Sunday to watch other TV games, something I’m still really glad I can do.”

Stevie first suspected something was wrong during a round of golf, when he experienced a freezing cold sensation in his foot, something which seemed even more unusual given the warm weather on the day.

He said: “From visiting my doctor to being diagnosed took around nine months in total. There was a lot of testing involved and other things that had to be ruled out. At first, I thought it might have been a trapped nerve but sadly it was more serious than that.”

Stevie was diagnosed with MND in February 2021 and less than a year on is having difficulty getting up and down stairs, as well as relying on a breathing machine at night.

“Being diagnosed with MND was devastating obviously. It just floored us and the whole family went through a period of complete disbelief. Although I found it very difficult to tell my family and friends, the hardest part was definitely having to tell my dad.

“For the past three games, I’ve taken my dad for hospitality at Hearts, which has been an amazing experience for us both and something very special we could do together.”

Stevie and his son Craig are extremely happy about the partnership between Hearts and MND Scotland and have both got the strip with the charity logo.

He continued: “MND is a horrible disease. For my team to be involved in such a positive and direct way is tremendous. I hope the money raised from the partnership will allow MND Scotland to continue helping people in my situation. The support and services they provided me with really helped to take a load off my family – they are magnificent.

“I hope the message gets through that MND can affect anyone. I’m a fan, who is there every week. I’m your midweek, go to Inverness or Ross County fan. I’m a fan that will have a sing a long on the supporter’s bus, and a beer before and after the match. Hearts are my team. My wish is that no one else misses out on future games because of MND.”

MND Scotland’s Head of Fundraising, Iain McWhirter, said: “Our partnership with Hearts has been amazing so far, and both the club and its supporters have played an enormous role in our effort to raise vital awareness and funding, to help change the lives of people living with MND today.

“I want to thank Stevie for bravely speaking out about his story and sharing his experience with us.”

To help people like Stevie, and to join MND Scotland’s search for a cure, please donate today.

Christmas Wonderland announces charity partnership with PKAVS

Perth’s newest lighting trail experience invites the community to get festive and give back

10^th – 23^rd December 2021

Christmas Wonderland, Perth’s brand-new Christmas-themed lighting trail experience, which has been designed and produced by Scottish based events company, 21CC Group Ltd., has today announced their partnership with PKAVS, a local charity that works tirelessly throughout Perth and Kinross to improve wellbeing, connect communities, and help people to realise their potential.

The charity partnership will invite the community of Perth to get festive and give back this Christmas, by making either a monetary donation – which will be gifted directly to the charity, who are helping individuals to overcome personal barriers and ensure they have every chance to achieve their goals in life – or donating a family ticket to PKAVS, upon ticket check out.

21CC Group Ltd. will also be gifting PKAVS with 100 tickets to the exclusive Christmas Wonderland VIP Launch night as well as supplying a 10% discount code to the charity which will be available for redemption by all PKAVS charity members and associates.

Paul Graham, PKAVS Chief Executive, PKAVS, said: “We are delighted that the Christmas Wonderland at Perth Riverside has chosen PKAVS as the event’s Charity Partner.

“Since the pandemic, our services have been in more demand than ever. By supporting PKAVS to raise both additional funds and awareness of the vital services we offer, this partnership will allow us to reach even more people in Perth & Kinross with that bit of extra help they need.”

From 10^th to 23^rd December, guests are invited to experience Norie Miller Walk at Perth Riverside as never seen before. Festive lighting, enchanting effects and a sparkling atmosphere will transform a winding pathway overlooking the picturesque Perth Riverside creating some unmissable memories for adults and children alike. Santa himself will be there, to welcome and greet everyone who comes.

Geoff Crow, Managing Director of 21CC Group says: “This has been a really hard year for so many reasons and as a business owner operating in the events sector, I can say that it has most definitely been one of our most challenging for obvious reasons.

“Christmas is such a special time and an opportunity to take stock and reflect. We are really looking forward to bringing this special event to Perth, and hope that this charity partnership will go a long way to supporting those who need it most across the community. Come to Perth and experience the magic of Christmas.”

Full price tickets start from £10 for adults and £7 for children under 16 on opening night (10th Dec). Children under 3 can also attend for free.

Family ticket bundles allow access for 2 adults and 2 children and are available from £30. The walk will take approximately one hour and tickets will have allocated time slots for guests to arrive.

First entry is at 4 pm and last entry is at 7:30 pm.

Tickets can be booked online in advance to save disappointment.

For further information and to purchase tickets, visit: