'Auld freens' reunion for Elgin's Jimmy McLean raises £4200
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FRIENDS who gathered to celebrate the 70th birthday of Bishopmill's Jimmy McLean have raised £4200 for good causes.
Around 160 people packed Elgin's Ex-Serviceman's Club on February 8 for Jimmy's Auld Freens Reunion.
The amount raised has now been totted up and organisers thanked everyone who played their part in raising so much money.
Half of the total will go towards a fund to buy a £4000 specialist chair for Jimmy, who is a resident at Anderson's Care Home. The remaining £2100 is going to the Friends of Chernobyl’s Children Moray.
Every year, the volunteer-run organisation welcomes children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster to Moray, providing a month of fresh air, love and care.
The 70th party was organised by Jimmy's friends Lorna Whyte, Pamela Noble, Linda and Helen Mellis, Norma Cameron and Phyllis-Ann Lyle.
Music was provided by the legendary Windy Miller and there was hardly a dry eye when Jimmy took the microphone to sing a few of his favourites, from Danny Boy to The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond.
Lorna, who grew up with Jimmy in Bishopmill, said: "He was just beside himself. The club was packed and we had people from England and even as far off as Australia there on the night.
"It was an amazing party and Windy Miller, who generously waived their fee so more money could go to the good causes, were rocking.
"The Ex-Serviceman's Club also gave over their premises for the celebration and local businesses really were incredibly generous with their support.
"We would like to thank everyone who played a part in making it a night to remember, while raising so much money."
There was a further surprise for Jimmy, who was joined by a group of 26 friends for lunch at Johnstons of Elgin the following day.
A life-long supporter of Aberdeen Football Club, he was overwhelmed to be presented with a range of gifts donated by the club.
That included a signed football, signed football tops, mug, autographs as well as a 70th birthday card from the club.
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