A FOUR-year battle to raise money for a new soft play area at the Loch Centre looks to be coming to an end.

Susan Tully and Kirsty McGregor, of Tranent, have been attempting to raise £30,000 to create the facility in memory of their friend Moyra McNeil, who used to work in the Loch Road building.

Recently, they were given a massive boost when they were awarded £3,000 by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust’s Community Future’s Fund.

Susan was delighted that the end was in sight.

She said: “It is a tremendous relief and we have to say a huge ‘thank you’ to the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and all the other individuals and organisations who have given us their support. “People have run, swam, walked, thrown themselves off buildings, and done all sorts of things to raise money.” And Susan has done her share as well.

She added: “I haven’t run since the marathon last year and don’t intend to run anywhere ever again.

“I am absolutely delighted to have nearly reached our goal.

“It has been a struggle at times, but we have just kept going and I am so glad to see it finally being done.” The old soft play area is to be completely removed, with a new state-of-the-art version consisting of a three-level facility with slides, ball pools and cargo nets taking its place.

At the same time, there will also be a seating area for parents, a room for birthday parties, and a servery as part of the refurbishment of the ground floor of the centre, which enjoyleisure and the council are undertaking.

The two women set up the fund nearly four years ago in memory of their friend, who had worked at the Loch Centre for more than 20 years running the creche, and who passed away from a stroke.

Susan added: “It’s not just been Kirsty and I, there have been a lot more people involved than just that and a lot of people have been very instrumental.

“I would like to give a special mention to Jeanette Henderson, from the Loch Centre, who was one of Moyra’s colleagues.

“She has done a lot of work, like raffles and organising Christmas parties.”