Children's festive fundraising inspires others

Two businesses were so inspired by the thoughtfulness of three Campbeltown youngsters, who have so far raised more than £2,000 to help other children celebrate a magical Christmas, that they have decided to boost their fund.

 

Eight-year-olds Jessica McGeachy and Emma Johnston, and seven-year-old Abigail McAllister, all pupils at Castlehill Primary School, walked the route of the Mull of Kintyre Run 10 kilometre race last Sunday (November 29) to raise money for Children 1st and have so far been sponsored by hundreds of people.

 

Hannah Jones, from Bellochantuy, who runs Deliciously Scottish Eggs, was so touched by the girls' campaign that she released some special pink egg boxes which are available to purchase in Kintyre shops throughout December. For every dozen sold, 10p will be donated to the girls' fund.

 

"attachment_408340" "aligncenter" "184"] Jessica holding one of the special pink egg boxes - look out for them in local shops.

 

When staff at Jura Community Store, one of the shops selling the eggs, found out about the appeal, they decided that for every dozen eggs they sell in pink boxes, they will donate an additional 20p to Children 1st.

 

Wearing T-shirts bearing the Children 1st logo and colours, the girls set off from Aqualibrium last Sunday morning, and were joined throughout their journey by Jessica's big sister Adelle and her friend Jade McCallum, as well as Jessica and Adelle's parents.

 

Many friends and family members turned out to cheer and clap for the girls and there was even a special, hand-made banner which read: 'Well done, girls!'

 

"attachment_407575" "aligncenter" "219"] Dorothy Ralston, Fergus Walker and their children Maida, William and Eilidh with their supportive sign reading: 'Well done, girls!'

 

Despite a drizzly shower, the weather was largely pleasant, meaning the girls could enjoy a few pit stops on their journey.

 

They were welcomed at the finish line with balloons, cake, hot chocolate, medals and gifts.

 

The girls' parents said: 'They smiled, danced and sang the whole way and, as they did, they spoke about the children and families they would be helping and how their Christmas might be now, as a result of the fantastic amount of money raised.

 

'They were absolute stars and did so well. We could all see the pride bursting out of them which was lovely.

 

'As always, friends, family and our community have just been so kind and supportive. Thank you to everyone who cheered them off, supported them along the way and welcomed them in at the end, it made the event so special for the girls.

 

'And thanks again to everyone who has sponsored, we know the money will make such a difference.'

 

There is still time to sponsor the girls as their online fundraising page - search 'Friends walk for Christmas' on the JustGiving website - is being left open until the end of the month so the Deliciously Scottish Eggs donation can be added to the total.

 

"attachment_407572" "aligncenter" "219"] The trio was supported throughout the walk by Jessica's big sister Adelle, right, and her friend Jade McCallum.