Actress Simone Lahbib has graced our screens in some iconic roles for more than two decades - but it is her real life role as a loving aunt and sister which may be her most significant yet.
Simone has been one of the driving forces of the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund, a charity set up in tribute to her teenager niece, who passed away from cancer just days before her 16th birthday in 2010.
Eilidh was described by friends and family as “a shining example and spectacular person, selfless, strong, positive and funny with an amazing understanding of the world”.
People in Simone's hometown of Stirling rallied to support the charity.
And earlier this week Eilidh's parents - Simone's sister Nicole and brother-in-law Gordon - thanked the people of the area for helping them create their daughter's legacy - a respite and holiday home for children and young people with cancer near Thornhill, which was officially opened on Monday by Scottish rockers The Fratellis.
After Eilidh died Gordon and Nicole appealed to the people of Stirling to get behind their bid to create the house.
And locals responded by raising more than £600,000 through everything from marathons to bake sales.
But the family also had thanks for Simone's loyal following of fans, who have also touched them with their significant support for the effort.
As one of British television’s most successful actresses, Simone’s career boasts everything from The Young Person’s Guide to Becoming a Rock Star and Wire in the Blood to Da Vinci’s Demons and most recently BBC soap Eastenders.
But it is her role as governor Helen Stewart in the prison drama Bad Girls which has probably afforded her cult status.
Fans who have supported the Bad Girls conventions she is involved with have raised around £70,000 for the charity over the years.
Eilidh’s dad Gordon is himself an actor known for roles in the likes of Take the High Road and Taggart and he has acted in TV and film roles, including alongside none other than Hollywood star Ryan Gosling.
However, despite their credentials it's their humility, love of family and their determination to honour their daughter and her wish to help others , not their perceived showbusiness links, which have prompted people from all walks of life to help them realise Eilidh's legacy.
Simone said: “Nicole and Gordon were always authentic. When you’re not, people see through it.
“I’m an auntie not a parent but this cause has always been hugely important to me right from the outset.
“I’m beyond excited to finally be at this point, ready to to welcome the first family to Eilidh’s House. So many people have put their hearts and souls into the house, so for all of them too it’s just wonderful to finally be here. I know Eilidh would be so proud of her family and what they have achieved. I hope it makes treasured memories for all the families who come to stay.”
Gordon said: “People think because we are actors we have all sorts of contacts and know everyone in the industry - but I don’t run in showbiz circles. I probably know about seven people in the business - and they are probably as skint as me. I’m just a weirdo who wants to get home to the family! I’ve even been asked why I was taking the bus before.
“We didn’t even know The Fratellis. I just took the chance and sent them a note and they came on board. They were great.
“And Tom Urie we had never met before the first For the Love of Eilidh concert, but he has been really supportive.”
Scottish rock band The Fratellis - who cut the ribbon to officially open the house on Monday - have been patrons and supporters of the charity from the very early days and at the charity’s bi-annual concert.]
Jon Fratelli said: “From the moment we were invited to become part of the family that is the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund and to help make the dream of Eilidh’s respite home a reality, everyone involved and the cause itself has meant so much to us.
“The home promises to offer something rare and precious for years to come. There’ll be more to do as there always is but just for a moment everyone who worked their heart out to realise this dream can take a breath and feel a sense of heartfelt pride that Eilidh’s respite home will soon offer young people and their families the precious space that Eilidh envisioned.”
Scottish actor and songwriter Tom Urie, best known most recently for the BBC soap River City, is also a patron of the charity.
He said: “I’m completely over the moon that, after all these years of hard work and dedication, the project has reached fruition.
“I was welcomed into the Brown family from the first concert, and what they have achieved is breathtaking. I never knew Eilidh but she lives on in the absolute coolest way possible- helping families create the kind of experiences that the Browns had all those years ago.
“Everyone who has ever sung a note at these concerts, packed a bag at the big supermarket or contributed in any way, has laid the foundations of an incredible legacy.”
Also at the launch was former Limmy Show star Alan McCue, veteran comedian Andy Cameron, and Scot Squad and River City actor Jordan Young.
The first families are set to benefit from Eilidh's house from this summer. The charity continues in its efforts to raise funds for the maintenance and upkeep of the respite home as well as providing as much practical support for the families during their week there.
For more on how to support the charity visit www.eilidhbrown.co.uk
