Your cheques and love
are making a difference

By Sarah Johnson YOUR GENEROSITY continues to amaze us. Over the past five weeks we’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness of our readers and can assure you your money will help change lives. As we approach the £30,000 mark, we want to thank everyone who’s contacted us — and ask those who have not yet donated money to raid the cheque account, smash open the piggy bank, host a coffee morning or get sponsored to languish in a bath of baked beans!  We don’t mind how you do it, just do it if you can. Like the children at Abronhill Primary School in Cumbernauld. Two weeks ago, the children of Primary 5 (Room 12) set about raising money for Scotland’s sick children by selling gifts for Mother’s Day to other children in the school. It was part of an enterprise project by the class and raised £33.  Raffle And thanks to staff and pupils at Hawick High School for their support. Last month they held a raffle at their annual dance show and raised £191 to help our hospitals. There have also been tales to touch your heart. One letter was from John and Barbara Roberts from Rosyth, who donated £400 in memory of sons John and Stuart.  Stuart, who suffered from spina bifida, died three years ago aged 39. Tragically, his brother John also died, as a result of cancer, only six months later. He was 47.  Barbara explains, “When Stuart was born the surgeons gave him two months to live. But he was a fighter and amazed everyone with his humour and strength.” Stuart, who was treated at Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, had 40 operations by the time he was 10 years old. But with the care of his family he was able to lead a happy life and was known by everyone in his community. Barbara says, “He was in and out of hospital, and on medication all the time. But he had the will to live and I think that’s why he made it until he was nearly 40.” Devastated The family was devastated when John died just nine months after being diagnosed with cancer, following a brave battle.  The loss of their sons has made John and Barbara determined to help others. Barbara says, “We appreciate the work the hospitals do. And they need our help.  “When it was our Golden Anniversary six years ago, we asked people to donate money to the Western General instead of presents and raised £1000. Now we’ve decided to donate money to The Sunday Post Appeal, in the memory of our sons, who we miss terribly.” Another kind-hearted reader had mixed reasons for contributing.  She wrote, “This comes with genuine good wishes but also to ease the guilt I felt when, after my Mother’s Day meal spent happily with my son, three daughters, three sons-in-law, three grandsons and, of course, my husband, I had food which I had to throw away. I hate to do that when there’s so much poverty and illness in the world.” She signed the back of her £25 cheque, simply “With Love”. It’s love like this that will make a difference to thousands of children across Scotland. Back to campaign main page

You can e-mail us at: hospitals@sundaypost.com