Elgin woman moved by loss to help Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland and Macmillan
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AN ELGIN woman has been moved to organise a local fundraiser after seeing her late father struggle with a "horrible" lung disease.
Shona Kellock, 54, from Elgin, will host A Night at the Races in New Elgin Hall, on Saturday, February 29, in memory of her beloved dad, Sandy Hamilton, who died last year.
Mrs Kellock is organising the event alongside her sister and niece. All the proceeds from the night will be split between Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Mr Hamilton had lived with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a long-term lung condition, for many years before he died of lung cancer. Mrs Kellock's mum, Isabelle Hamilton, then suffered a major stroke two years ago which left her wheelchair-bound.
The family wanted to organise something special in Mr Hamilton’s memory and to support his widow, while also helping other families affected by chest and stroke conditions.
Mrs Kellock said: "After seeing the impact COPD had on my dad’s life, and then losing him to such a horrible disease, we knew we wanted to do something to help others.
"I’ve also watched my mum try and rebuild her life after her stroke. The money raised from this event can hopefully help other stroke survivors like her.
"It’s going to be a fantastic evening. We’re all really looking forward to it and want to welcome everyone to come along and join us. We’re so grateful to everyone who has already got their tickets and shown their support so far.
"Thank you to all the local businesses who have kindly supported the event with donations and raffle prizes – we really appreciate it."
Ashleigh Jedan, community and events manager at CHSS, said: "It’s such a lovely thing that Shona and her family are doing in memory of her dad and to support her mum.
"The money raised from this event will make such a difference to the lives of people and their families who have been affected by chest and stroke conditions.
"We want to thank them for organising such a wonderful event to help people in their local community. It’s going to be a brilliant night – please do come along and show your support."
Tickets for A Night at the Races cost £3, available from Mrs Kellock on 07835 026271. Doors open at 7pm, with the first race starting at 7.30pm. The event is for over-18s only and is BYOB.
