A LEADING disability charity raised £96,000 at a Burns supper featuring Still Game stars.
Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland's annual A Question of Burns supper saw 400 guests gather at the Glasgow Hilton Hotel on January 23 to celebrate the life and work of the Scottish Bard.
The evening was filled with poetry, performances, and a traditional Burns feast and raised a total of £96,000.
To support SBH Scotland or to find out more about other events happening throughout the year, visit www.sbhscotland.org.uk.
BAFTA award-winning actors Jane McCarry and Mark Cox, known for their roles as Isa Drennan and Tam Mullen in the sitcom Still Game, performed a rendition of the Toast to the Lassies and the Reply.
The night also featured Scottish songs, a recitation of Address to a Haggis, and a rendition of Tam O' Shanter by Aberdonian actress Joyce Falconer, known for her role as Roisin in River City.
Former Scottish international rugby player Andy Nicol hosted the evening, which included renditions of Burns' famous poems, a three-course meal, an auction, and a quiz on all things Rabbie Burns.
Notable attendees included Heart Scotland DJs Cat Cubie, David Farrell, and Amy Irons.
Heart Scotland was the media partner for A Question of Burns.
They joined longstanding supporters, luxury jewellery brand Chisholm Hunter, who are headline sponsors of the event and who generously donated a diamond necklace for a diamond draw to raise funds for the charity.
SBH Scotland parent Leanne Belch gave an emotive speech about her daughter Amber, 5, who has spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
Amber has undergone 29 surgeries so far in her life, and Leanne reflected on how much she and Amber rely on the charity for support.
Leanne thanked those attending and acknowledged how important events like this are in ensuring SBH Scotland can continue to provide support to thousands of families across Scotland.
As Scotland's only charity providing support to those with these conditions, SBH Scotland relies heavily on fundraising activities to deliver its services.
Lawrence Cowan, chief executive officer at SBH Scotland, said: "We were overwhelmed by the generosity of our sponsors and guests at this year's 'A Question of Burns' event and are absolutely delighted to have raised a grand total of £96,000.
"It was wonderful to see everyone come together and have a good time, while also raising vital funds that will help ensure our families feel unstoppable.
"I would like to thank everyone who attended, from our guests to our speakers, performers, and volunteers.
"I’d especially like to thank SBH Scotland parent Leanne Belch for sharing her and her daughter Amber's story with our guests.
"There are many children like Amber across Scotland who need our support more than ever, and events like this ensure we can continue to provide the crucial support they rely on.
"I’d also like to thank our headline sponsor, Chisholm Hunter, whose continued support of this event has been fundamental in ensuring it has flourished into one of the biggest corporate events in Scotland."
