Published: Thursday, 3rd July, 2008 08:10
Tribute to Caitlyn
Comments (0)
Print Article
A CHARITY football match between former Hibs players and a Musselburgh select side has helped net up to £5,000 for charities, including the Scottish Huntington’s Association in memory of nine-year-old Caitlyn Anderson.
A host of Easter Road greats, including Darren Jackson and Keith Wright, graced Pinkie sports field in tribute to Caitlyn, a pupil at Pinkie St Peter’s, who tragically died from the rare genetic disorder Huntington’s, in January.
The mid-June fundraiser was one of a series of events thought up by fellow pupil, Ryan McKinnon, 11, his mother Janis and nine-year-old classmate, Chloe Shankie.
Janis McKinnon said: “Ryan wanted to do something for Caitlyn because he and everyone else at the school really missed her. Once we started, we got so much help from other parents, the school and local businesses that the whole thing just grew and grew. Now, I’d like to say a big thank-you to everyone who helped and to let them know that they’ve made a big difference.”
Among the former Hibs players were Gordon Rae, Gordon Hunter, Paul Kane, Callum Milne, Keith Wright, Darren Jackson, Mickey Weir, Graham Harvey, Lee Bailey, Fraser Ogilvie and Tam Aitchison.
Former Hibs midfielder, Paul Kane, also gifted exclusive signed prints from his time with the club, which were auctioned at a post-match function at a bar in the High Street.
More than £3,000 was raised from a seven-a-side inter-primary school football tournament and a disco/buffet at The Quay restaurant before the big game had even kicked off.
From all fund-raising activities, the final total is expected to top £5,000 and will be divided between CHAS – which runs the Rachel House children’s hospice – and the Scottish Huntington’s Association.
East Lothian Council’s education and children’s services convener, Peter MacKenzie, said: “I was lucky enough to go the event at The Quay, although unfortunately I couldn’t stay all evening. The atmosphere was amazing and I was really impressed by how many people turned up and how generous they were.
“It’s a real testament to Pinkie St Peter’s, its children, staff and parents, and to the strength of the local community. I am honoured to have been asked to present the cheque to CHAS, Rachel House and Scottish Huntington’s on behalf of the school.”
Del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon
Further Details
Courier’s first move in 149 years