A FUNDRAISING Science Fayre is being held at intu Braehead on Saturday to raise money for research into autoimmune diseases.

Nicola McBride, centre, with members of the team helping her raise money for research into autoimmune diseases, Katie Warner, left and Claire Jones.

Mum Nicola McBride, from Glenburn, in Paisley has recently launched a new charity called Autoimmune Conditions UK, which aims to increase awareness and raising money by running fundraising events and applying for research grants.

Visitors to the Science Fayre will also get the chance to vote for their top five autoimmune diseases Nicola’s charity will raise money for during the next 12 months.

It’s estimated that up to four million people in the UK are living with an autoimmune condition.

The Science Fayre – in the shopping mall’s central atrium between 9am and 3pm on Saturday, October 12 – will feature exhibits and workshops from the Glasgow Science Centre and Glasgow University.

And there will be activities for children with interactive games about the human body, arts and crafts, decorating biscuits to look like different kinds of cells in the body and making DNA bracelets for youngsters to take home.

Nicola, 35, explains: “As well as raising money for research into autoimmune diseases, we’ll also be encouraging adults and children to learn about science.

“There is a shortage of funding for research into autoimmune diseases and I would like to our bit help make sure there is more funding into the causes and treatment of autoimmune diseases.

“We’re also running a poll just now for people to vote which autoimmune diseases they think needs funding most and we’ll donate whatever we have raised to the top five as voted by the public.”

Community development manager for intu Braehead, Lydia Brown said: “It says a lot about Nicola that she’s willing to launch a charity and raise money for research into autoimmune diseases, which can affect a lot of people.

“I hope lots of people come along to intu Braehead and support this worthy cause. If they do, they’ll also have fun and learn something new about science.”

Log on to www.facebook.com/AutoimmuneConditionsUK to find out more about the charity, donate and vote in their poll on which autoimmune diseases should benefit from its fundraising.

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Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X