Teenager’s fundraising pledge

Feb 25 2010 by Debbie Hall, West Lothian Courier

A TEENAGER is embarking on a fundraising drive to help families devastated by a stillborn baby or child who has died in infancy.

Aimee McMahon (16) has pledged to raise money for charities SiMBA (Simpsons Memory Box Appeal) and Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society).

She said she chose the two organisations because tragically in July 2009 close family friends of hers had a baby daughter who was stillborn.

She held a charity football tournament last weekend at Broxburn Sports Centre and asked players to donate a minimum of £10 to play, as well as donating small change for hot drinks and snacks after the matches, raising £270 for her causes.

The Whitburn Academy pupil explained to the Courier this week that she has other fundraising ideas in the pipeline which she hopes local people will support.

Added Aimee: “I am fundraising for the charities of SiMBAand Sands because tragically in July 2009 close family friends lost their baby daughter Hannah to stillbirth.

“The family were supported by the amazing team at SiMBA during that horrible time and they are interested in the work of Sands because they carry out vital research into why so many parents suffer this heartbreak.

“Sands are currently running a campaign called ‘Why 17?’ to stress the fact that, despite medical advances, 17 babies a day are either stillborn or die within the first four weeks of life.”

The next event is being held onFriday, April 23 in Whitburn Bowling Club and this event will be the main event of Aimee’s fundraising drive.

For just £10 guests get a fun-packed evening including a two-hour performance from a Billy Connolly impersonator and Stars in Their Eyes winner, Gary Moir.

This will be followed by a sports auction, raffle and a disco to round off the night.

Aimee also has signed sports memorabilia which will be up for grabs as well as quality raffle prizes donated from local shops, organisations and individuals.

Aimee continued: “I’d like to thank everyone who helped with the charity football match, including all the players.

“I would particularly like to thank James Chapman and James Pegg of the Broxburn Athletic Colts team who provided the pitch, free of charge.

“We still need more items for our raffle for April’s event, so if anybody is interested or can donate, please get in contact.

“We hope to get famous names on the guest list for the evening, but it is first come first serve for everyone so I Hhpe that everyone will get their money in quick as there are only 120 tickets and they are already flying off the shelves.

“To pull off such a massive event we need the support of everyone around us so I appeal to people to please help whenever they can.

“So far we have no more events definitely planned but we plan to continue our work throughout the year so I will be asking local people to please keep an eye out, and continue providing their fabulous support.”

Anyone who wants to help in the fundraising efforts or donate items for the next event can contact Aimee at aimeemc@tiscali.co.uk.