Kind-hearted fundraisers are to see their reward for many years of hard work later this month, with the opening of the new Loch Centre soft play facility in memory of a much-missed community stalwart.

The new soft play facility has been the work of the Moyra McNeil Fund and will open its doors for the first time next Friday (February 27), with guests invited to a grand opening.

Moyra, who died in 2010, worked in the Loch Centre for more than 20 years, running the creche, and two kind-hearted friends wanted to remember their friend.

Susan Tully and Kirsty McGregor launched the Moyra McNeil Fund after the passing of their friend and colleague and have completed countless walks, runs, bake sale and fundraising events to help towards the new facility, called ‘Wiggles’.

And the Moyra McNeil Fund founders said: “Every time we meet with enjoyleisure to discuss and finalise the plans for Wiggles we’re close to tears.

“It’s just so hard to believe that we’re almost there.

“We’ve been fuelled with sheer determination to make this project a reality. It’s so surreal to see our dream coming true.

“We’re so incredibly proud of what the community have achieved over the past five years.

“When we consider what everyone has done to help us get to this point – every bake sale, bungee jump, walk, run, swim and party – it’s just incredible.

“We owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to everyone who has supported not just the fund but us personally: the local community; enjoyleisure and the Loch Centre staff; local businesses; and the invaluable support from Moyra’s family, her daughter Linsey, son Duncan and husband Brian.

“We couldn’t have done it without everyone’s support.

“We are extremely excited to see the project come to fruition and are very much looking forward to celebrating with everyone involved at the launch event.” The soft play centre will be over three levels, have a crawl tunnel and rope bridge and will be suitable for youngsters up to eight years old, while there will be a dedicated zone for under-twos.

Wiggles will have its own cafe, with parental seating area and function space, which will be used to cater for birthday parties and the Loch Centre’s weekday creche facility.

The work of the Moyra McNeil Fund has also been praised by ward councillor Shamin Akhtar.

Ms Akhtar, council spokesperson for education & children’s services, said: “I cannot praise the Moyra McNeil Fund volunteers highly enough.

“Their effort, commitment and dedication have meant they have achieved their ambition of delivering a dedicated children’s play area in memory of Moyra.

“I, along with my colleagues, have been privileged to provide support wherever possible to help ensure their dream became a reality.

“The provision of such a community resource for our children is one that will benefit the new generation, which is a brilliant epitaph for Moyra, who was a loved, wonderful, caring person.” And Kim McGeary, Loch Centre service manager added: “We hope that this fantastic facility will be enjoyed by the entire community as a true reflection of Moyra’s dedication to local children and her sense of fun.” After the private opening, the facility will open its doors to the public for the first time next Saturday (February 28) at 9.30am, while play sessions will be restricted to 30-minute slots on the launch day.

For more details, visit enjoyleisure.com