Our January meeting was held on 10 January via Zoom. A decision was taken much earlier in the year that the winter meeting would be held virtually. As it happens, the weather was not a problem.
The speaker was Lynne McNicoll, who joined us from Edinburgh. Lynne is co-founder and Chair of the charity “It’s Good 2 Give”, The charity supports the physical and mental wellbeing of young cancer patients and their families in Scotland. Lynne decided that to celebrate her 50th birthday in 2005 she would raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Her aim was to raise £50,000 through treks in the Himalayas and the Sahara, as well as fashion shows with young cancer sufferers. In 2010, along with her husband Ian, they established the “Its Good 2 Give” charity based at the Sick Kids in Edinburgh. Their many volunteers not only fund raise, but provide practical support. They also help to provide parent and patient packs, psychologist posts, snacks, juice, end of treatment packs, complimentary therapy treatments and so forth.
The dream of the charity was to build a retreat. The Ripple Retreat was built on the shores of Loch Venachar in the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park and opened in 2017. The Retreat, designed by Tony Kettle, is available for families for a weeks respite during treatment of their child and for bereaved families.
Lynne has decided to hand over the fundraising to other members of the team in 2023, but will still be very much involved as a volunteer.
Gladys gave a vote of thanks for a very interesting and moving talk.
On Saturday, 4th March at 10am we will be holding our Coffee Morning/Bazaar in the Masonic Hall. We serve coffee, cake, veg stall, hold a raffle – and lots of chat with friends old and new. All are welcome – please come along. We will be pleased to see you.
Frances Wallace
Club Correspondent, Inner Wheel Club of Laurencekirk and District
