Good sports raise hospice charity cash

SPORTS centre staff and customers have raised more than £6000 for two hospices in Renfrewshire.

Ken Mathie, from ACCORD, left and Carol-Anne Lamont from St Vincent’s Hospice, right, with fitness instructor, Lesley Cochrane and members of her Body Attack class who helped raise the charity cash.

The annual Renfrewshire Leisure Charity Fundraising Week saw £6320 split between St Vincent’s and ACCORD Hospices.

The money was raised through various sponsored events at pools and sports centres throughout Renfrewshire including a Swimathon, raffle, tombola, bakery sale and fundraising where fitness fans sponsored their instructor, Lesley Cochrane not to speak for an entire class session.

Representatives of the two local hospices visited the ON-X, in Linwood to be presented with their cheques.
Carol-Anne Lamont, from St Vincent’s said: “On behalf of all at St. Vincent’s Hospice, I would like to thank members and staff for their efforts in raising this superb amount of money towards hospice care in Renfrewshire.

“It costs almost £6,000 per day to run our hospice and community services –more than half of which comes from donations and fundraising.  Our services are available to all, free of charge, thanks to the generosity of our local communities.”

Ken Mathie, from ACCORD added: “The staff and members of Renfrewshire Leisure have supported ACCORD for many years through their sponsored events programme and it’s absolutely wonderful that they continue to think of us and to raise so much money amount through a varied programme of activities.

“I would like to thank everyone who took part in the recent week of activities for all of their support which goes to ensure that our patients receive the care they deserve.”

Charlie McDougall, senior facilities manager at the ON-X, who organised the charity fundraising, said:
“I’d like to pay tribute to everyone who embraced the spirit of our fundraising and who put so much effort into raising the money.”