A county charity has raised £124,886 from an event at Prestonfield House Hotel in Edinburgh to further its aims of providing the best possible respite care.
The inaugural Leuchie Long Lunch was organised by Leuchie Forever – the body set up to raise major donations to safeguard the future of support to people affected by neurological conditions across Scotland.
The money raised goes to Leuchie House, Scotland’s national respite centre near North Berwick, which provides care and short breaks for people living with neurological conditions such as MS and stroke.
The lunch was hosted by BBC presenter and auctioneer Natasha Raskin Sharp, with entertainment from Leuchie patron and Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings, magician Kevin Quantum and alternative hip-hop act MC Hammersmith.
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The keynote speech at the ‘Laughter and Leadership’-themed event was provided by one of the world’s leading adventurers and climbers Kenton Cool, who has summited Mount Everest 16 times.
His inspirational presentation was met with a standing ovation.
Kenton said afterwards: “Wow, what an event!
“I speak at several fundraisers like that each year but this one was a step up; the food was great, company a giggle, and the cause simply amazing.”
Rob Aberdein, chair of the Long Lunch organising committee, spoke of how the lunch came about and how it offered a unique opportunity for businesses to raise money for a life-changing cause.
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He said: “HRH The Princess Royal said in the summer that Leuchie is unique in the UK.
“We wanted to put on a unique event to raise the profile of Leuchie in the business community and offer an alternative to the usual black-tie dinner.
“I’m delighted with the money raised, the profile gained and the new connections that so many friends in business made.
“Tables and sponsorship packages have already been taken for November 24 next year.”
Mark Bevan, Leuchie CEO, paid tribute to all who contributed to the event’s success, including headline sponsors Hamilton Waste & Recycling, MBM, Progeny, and PureSpa & Beauty.
Speaking at the event, Mr Bevan appealed to others to sign up to Leuchie Friends Forever.
He said: “Someone in your family, your employment or your clients’ business will be caring for a family member affected by a condition which Leuchie’s highly skilled team can help with.
“We’d love to offer more support to more people and the help of new friends at the Long Lunch will enable us to achieve that goal.
“Please get in touch if you’d like to hear more.”
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