AFTER four years of fundraising, countless sponsored walks, runs, swims and other events, the Moyra McNeil Fund has reached its £30,000 goal.

Susan Tully and Kirsty McGregor launched the project in June 2010 to raise £30,000 to create a play area at the Loch Centre in memory of community stalwart Moyra, who passed away in February 2010.

The long road of fundraising came to an end recently after the Coalfields Regeneration Trust awarded £3,200, which was then matched by East Lothian Council.

Susan told the Courier of the delight her and all those involved have felt since reaching their target.

“It is a bit unbelievable,” she said. “I’m not sure it has quite sunk in. We found out a couple of weeks ago but got to announce it at the community action plan launch [in Tranent last week].

“I am really pleased and I can’t wait to see the work starting.” Moyra ran the creche at the Loch Centre and was involved in various children’s activities and events.

Since raising £900 from its very first event, the fund has witnessed the whole community get involved in what has been a long road, with various activities, from Hallowe’en parties to a Zumbathon, taking place.

“The first £20,000 was through sheer determination,” explained Susan. “People took part in sponsored walks, runs and swims, did bungee jumping and other crazy stuff. It has just been a long haul.

“All the work everyone involved has put in has been phenomenal. It was a real community effort. It was uplifting to see so many people working to get this done.

“The people who are going to benefit from it have mostly been there through the funding, which is nice to know. Everyone bought raffle tickets, attending events.

“We couldn’t have done it without the support of the community and all those involved.” She added: “The very first event we did was very emotional. Me and Kirsty went home and were counting the money and crying. It is a moment I won’t forget.

“There have been lots of doors closed in our faces but the grit and determination to get there makes me really proud.

“I hope Moyra, wherever she is, is sitting on a cloud and looking down saying ‘that’s good’. She was an amazing person.

“We did it to remember a great person. Moyra lived for the kids, she went out of her way to be nice to them and look after them.

“I’m sure she’d be thinking ‘why are they doing that for me?’” Susan gave thanks to East Lothian Council, Coalfields Regeneration Trust and the Courier.

The fund’s tireless work was praised by Moyra’s daughter Linsey.

“The work the girls and the Loch Centre have done has been absolutely fantastic,” she said. “We’re so moved and touched by it.

“My mum didn’t think she deserved a fuss, but she did. She would be delighted and very humbled.” The money will be used to build a state-of-the-art play facility, although a timeline has not been set out as to when it will be installed.

“Now it is time to look forward,” said Susan, “enjoyleisure has got the plans from an architect so it is down to them. We will be endeavouring to make sure work starts sooner rather than later.” Bill Axon, general manager of enjoyleisure said: “I would personally like to congratulate the Moyra McNeil Fund on achieving their target. I know it has not been easy, but their dedication, persistence and hard work have made it possible. enjoyleisure is proud of its association with the group and are delighted they have fulfilled their goals!

“enjoyleisure, in partnership with East Lothian Council, will now work closely with fund organisers to consider ways of completing the whole project. Indeed, early design work has been undertaken, with a tender document having been prepared, which will be presented to appropriate suppliers for pricing within the next three weeks.

“Once prices have been received all partners will sit round the table to agree a way forward.”