Falkirk dancers chip in to remember Mags
Generous family and friends of a brave mum have raised a staggering £90,000 in her memory.
Margaret Lee lost her battle with cancer in 2008, aged just 50. She had already organised two charity ceilidhs as a thank you for the care she received with another planned for just weeks after her death.
Her family were determined to grant her dying wish for the fundraising to continue and in January this year held the eighth ‘Mags’ Fish Supper Ceilidh’ in Falkirk Town Hall.
Husband Russell, along with daughters Erin (30) and Jennie (26), hosts the event with 300 people turning up and giving generously.
Top ceilidh band Skerryvore provide the music, Mark and Dominque Mulholland of Benny T’s the fish suppers and Balloon-a-Loony of Laurieston the decorations.
This year’s event raised £14,300, taking the total in the last eight years to £90,000.
The cash will again be split between East of Scotland Breast Cancer Care and St John’s Hospital in Livingston where Margaret received some of her treatment.
This year’s total was boosted by £3000 from Barclays Bank and £1650 from three family members who took part in an endurance day. Mark and Gavin Picken, along with Ronan Anderson, completed the Scotland Coast-to-Coast challenge, the 105 mile route from Nairn to Glencoe which they ran, cycled and kayaked in 24 hours.
Jennie, a sales account manager from Larbert, said: “People continue to be so generous, it’s fabulous. I think a lot of it is a tribute to mum’s bravery and her amazing personality.
“Also, it is a cause close to everyone’s heart. We all know someone who has been affected by cancer.”
Margaret was a popular fitness instructor who ran keep fit classes across the district.
She received regular mammograms after her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and in May 2004 doctors discovered pre-cancerous cells. But by the time she was due to get surgery in September that year, it had changed to an aggressive form of cancer.
Despite undergoing several operations and lengthy spells of treatment, Margaret always remained cheerful.
Talking about her cancer in 2006, she said: “This certainly has no rules, but the treatment I have had is first-class.”
Jennie added: “We cannot thank enough those who support the fish supper ceilidhs. There are too many to mention, but we are grateful for all they do.
“My family know everyone who is in the room and it means so much to us that they attend.
“Next year’s event is already booked for January 18 when we hope to raise even more in mum’s memory.”
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Friday 24 May 2013
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