ABERDEEN pupils scooped £3,000 for Grampian MS Therapy Centre who provide support and therapy to improve the quality of life for those affected by Multiple Sclerosis.
Through their participation in the Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI), six pupils from Robert Gordon’s College were able to fundraise towards new equipment for the therapy centre based in Dyce, enabling them to take the service offering to a new level in the community.
The centre offers therapies which include hyperbaric oxygen treatment, reflexology, physiotherapy and massage in addition to a visiting chiropodist and beautician.
Jim Craig, chair of Grampian MS Therapy Centre, said: “We are all very grateful to Daniel, Benji, Emer, Emily, Scott and Sophie for their wonderful fundraising efforts and congratulate them on working so well together as a team.
“It is with thanks to them that the centre has been able to purchase a hoist to lift patients and also a new bed for our therapy room. The centre is operated by a small staff and volunteers and relies 100 per cent on fundraising to update equipment and provide additional support services to visitors.”
The pupils had to pitch the background on their chosen charity and the work they do to help people across the North-east. During the pitch, teams highlighted issues the charity currently faced and presented a killer idea on how the money would benefit them.
Team leader, Daniel Craig, said: “Visiting the centre again and seeing the equipment in action was a fantastic opportunity for us to understand the real life impact our fundraising efforts have had on not only the centre facilities but the user experience.
“The centre is a truly remarkable place filled with remarkable people. During our visit we met a lady who was about to experience a therapy treatment on the new bed and the therapist was able to use the hoist to transfer the patient from wheelchair to the bed.
“Seeing how this extraordinary facility has been taken to a new level of service in the community is overwhelming.”
Talking about their experience in the YPI project, Daniel added: “The great thing about the YPI experience is that the charity began the week in the heart of one team member and finished in the hearts of all.”
Mr Hugh Ouston, head of Robert Gordon’s College, commented: “Our pupils always enjoy working with local charities.
“This is just one of the many ways in which our pupils are involved in the life of the local community, which has benefits for everyone concerned. We are very grateful for the support of the Wood Family Trust in this important life experience.”
The judges were blown away with the compelling presentation from the finalists.
Local businessperson, Mathew Finnie (Gordonian), and solicitor, Elaine Farquharson-Black (Burness Paull & Williamsons), were joined by retiring teachers Mr Tom Cumming (head of Modern Languages) and Mr Graham Sangster (principal teacher of Physics) on the panel.
ENDS
Media contact:
Holly McLennan, PR account executive, Fifth Ring, +1224 628069, holly.mclennan@fifthring.com
Notes for editors:
- Photo caption: Linda Strachan (physiotherapist), Jim Craig (chair of Grampian MS Therapy Centre), Benji Osugo, Daniel Craig and Scott Gray.
- The team consisted of Daniel Craig (16 years-old from Aberdeen), Scott Gray (16 years-old from Aberdeen), Benji Osugo (15 year-old from Aberdeen), Sophie Wardle (16 years-old from Inverurie), Emily Alexander (16 years-old from Kintore) and Emer Cunningham (16 years-old from Aberdeen).
- Grampian MS Therapy Centre: http://www.mstherapycentres.org.uk/centre.php?ref=59 Contact Eileen Matthew 01224 771105.
- YPI: The competition aims to encourage teamwork and to raise awareness of charities across the North-east. Pupils were divided into 27 teams and battled to win money for their chosen charity. The £3,000 was donated by the Wood Family Trust, which funds the scheme across Scotland. http://www.woodfamilytrust.org/current-programmes/YPI.php
- Quote from Elaine Manley, YPI facilitator: “The Judges based their award on best use of £3,000 and use of personal experience. They commented on how the team spoke from the heart. The scheme provides the experience to appreciate a different aspect of life. The opportunity is life-changing and can hugely benefit smaller charities. I see the competition grow year on year and this year has been no different with the teams thoroughly researching their charities whether they are already have a direct connection or otherwise.”
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Contact: Holly McLennan
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Email: holly.mclennan@fifthring.com
Website: http://www.rgc.aberdeen.sch.uk/
