Celebs help boost spina bifida cash

The star-studded event, held at the Glasgow Hilton last Thursday, again supported the Scottish Spina Bifida Association. In 21 years the event has raised almost £1 million for SSBA.

Actors Mark Cox and Jane McCarry, from the Bafta award-winning BBC sitcom Still Game, were among the guest speakers.

SSBA chief executive Andy Wind said: “Spina bifida and hydrocephalus seriously affect the lives of over 3,000 children, young people and adults in Scotland each year.

“Most of those born with spina bifida are paralysed from the waist down and will suffer lifelong urological problems.

“In addition, 80 per cent of those born with spina bifida also have the condition hydrocephalus. Both conditions cause lifelong complex disabilities.

“By attending the SSBA’s Burns Supper, guests helped raise vital funds to enable us to support families as soon as a baby is diagnosed with the condition and continue to support both the individual and their family for life.

“For this life-long commitment of care and support the SSBA has to raise over £1 million annually.

“Sadly, the charity receives less than one per cent of its funding from the government, which means they have to raise nearly all their funds from public donations.”

Andy added: “I would like to thank the Burns Supper organisers and Chisholm Hunter for their continued and much appreciated support.

“Their tireless help for the Charity has enabled us to do so much for those affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus throughout Scotland.”

For the 2012 event Lord George Robertson, former Defence Secretary and NATO Secretary General from 1999-2003 served as chairman.

Comedian Bruce Fummey was a guest speaker along with Still Game stars Mark Cox and Jane McCarry.

Holy Willie’s Prayer was performed by Robert McGurn, the Address to the Haggis by Tom Paxton, the vote of thanks by David Griffin, one of the volunteers who organised the event, and the pipers were from Glasgow Academy.

nSupper time: pages 20, 21