NORTH Berwick High School has organised a music marathon in memory of a schoolgirl who passed away in January.
A memorial fund for Jess Mackie – who was passionate about music, particularly singing – will benefit from the pupils’ generosity.
The much-loved 14-year-old was a member of the National Youth Choir of Scotland, as well as singing with Aberlady and Gullane Parish Churches.
On Saturday, the school has arranged a 12-hour music marathon for the Jess Mackie Memorial Fund at St Andrew Blackadder Church from 9am.
Performers will provide non-stop music throughout the day, culminating in a grand community sing-along.
Gill Casson, event co-ordinator, said: “We hope it is a fitting event to celebrate a talented, kind and inspirational young woman.
“All funds raised in her name will be allocated specifically to provide music therapy at [the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh].
“Currently there is an ongoing initiative with Tinderbox Orchestra, a collective of musicians providing music therapy for children attending or admitted to the Sick Kids. Music can have an enormous impact, helping to ignite a spark in them and giving them back a sense of control.”
In addition, the fund is supporting a new project which hopes to prove the benefits of singing to children and young people suffering from asthma.
The hospital has started a pilot project called SWAG (Singing With Asthma Group), which is being supported by Jess’s memorial fund.
Teas, coffees, home-baking and light lunches are served between noon and 2pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here