A charity set up by the family of a teenager who died from a rare form of cancer has been chosen as the Provost’s Charity of the Year for 2023.
The Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund was chosen by Stirling Provost Douglas Dodds, a decision which has now been approved by Stirling Council’s civic panel along with a donation of £1000.
After Eilidh passed away 12 years ago, just days before her 16th birthday, her parents Gordon and Nicole appealed to the people of Stirling to get behind their bid to create a respite holiday home for children and young people with cancer.
Locals responded by raising more than £600,000 through everything from marathons to bake sales. However, ongoing fundraising is vital for the maintenance and upkeep of the house.
The house near Thornhill was officially opened by Scottish rockers The Fratellis last year.
The charity has previously suggested that around £50-60,000 a year has to be raised annually, with that figure rising given the cost of living crisis and energy costs.
Officers told the panel: “The Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund raises money to provide respite care for families.
“The charity provides a countryside respite holiday home in the Stirling area which is for young people and their families who have been affected by cancer. The fund provides for running costs of the house and financial help to families who visit for respite care. The charity is run by volunteers.”
Provost Dodds, who will attend a number of events and fundraisers for the charity throughout the year, said: “The reason I chose it is because, whether they have loads of money or they don’t, I think it’s important we recognise what they do for terminally ill children and their families in providing respite.”
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The choice was unanimously backed by fellow panel members including Councillor Elaine Watterson who said: “It is an excellent cause. The work they do is fantastic and the house is within my constituency.”
For more on the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund visit www.eilidhbrown.co.uk
