An exciting new partnership was launched this week between Maggie’s Highlands and Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE).  The partnership is great news for Maggie’s Highlands, who support people living with cancer and their friends and families to build a life beyond the disease.

In a highly generous and unusual move, SSE has agreed to sponsor Maggie’s Highland’s community fundraiser, Fiona McRae, for a period of three years – which will greatly help the innovative charity to grow.
In addition, staff based at SSE's office in Inverness have wasted no time in helping the charity too, with nearly £2,000 raised in a matter of weeks.

Local woman, Tina Main, who has worked at the Inverness depot for 18 months, helped launch the partnership by organising not one, but two events.

The first was a staff disco, which included a raffle for sought after prizes, such as a flat screen TV, a digital camera and tickets to see Scotland versus France at Rugby.

Tina, 23, took on a second and more challenging task of a sponsored silence for the whole working day – quite a feat for a self-proclaimed motormouth.

Tina, of Nairn, said: “This was a really hard challenge for me as I like to chat. However, I had cards with responses prepared. Some colleagues tested me to the limit by throwing a rat and a grasshopper at me (fakes of course). It felt like it had been the longest day of my life.  But it was all worthwhile, as I raised a great sum of money for such an important charity.”

Mo MacDougall, SSE’s charity champion for the Highlands and Islands will be working with staff and Maggie’s to come up with more interesting fundraising ideas.

Mo said: “We are really pleased with this partnership and, as can be seen from the start, there are going to be some interesting activities. And the company match whatever we raise, which is fantastic.

“Tina was just absolutely superb.  It was entertaining to watch the dramas of the day.  She has a big heart and I hope people will follow in her footsteps and really push the boat out for Maggie’s.”

Delighted with the partnership, Fiona McRae, commented: “The help from SSE is invaluable. Their support will enable us to grow as a charity and increase awareness of our existence to the many people in the Highlands and Islands affected by cancer. Also, sponsoring my post means my costs are covered so more funds go directly to Maggie’s.

“At the moment, we provide nutrition workshops, group support sessions, benefits advice, relaxation classes, art therapy and tai chi, with plans to further develop this in the near future.

“And with such generous support from SSE, we will be able to raise our profile and therefore have even more people coming through our doors.  They will be able to gain emotional and practical support, whether that be through attending a class or simply by having a cup of tea and a chat with fellow visitors.”

 …ENDS…


For more media information contact Tricia Williams on 0141 341 5678 or email tricia@maggiescentres.org

NOTES TO EDITOR

Maggie’s Highlands opened in June 2005.  The centre provides emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer – in a homely and uplifting environment.  Maggie’s operate on a drop in basis and all services are free.  Around 30 people a day drop into Maggie’s Highlands.

Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres are developing 12 centres by 2012 through their national £15million Joy of Living campaign. There are currently five centres – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Highlands and Fife.