Linlithgow man raised thousands for charity by singing for his supper

Apr 14 2011 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

Burns

A LINLITHGOW man helped raise thousands for charity by singing for his supper.

Alan Baff has raised almost £3500 for Edinburgh-based bone marrow cancer charity Myeloma UK by singing at Burns Supper events all over West Lothian.

Alan has been singing at Burns suppers for over 25 years for free and for his love of the music, but this year he decided to ask for donations in aid of Myeloma UK in memory of his brother-in-law Ronald Meikle, who died aged just 58 of this rare form of bone marrow cancer.

Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a type of cancer arising from plasma cells which are found in the bone marrow.

Alan performed at 20 venues between January 15 and March 6 and all events were linked to Burns Suppers.

The generosity of those who were entertained by Alan inspired him to produce a CD of Burns songs to sell at future events, with all proceeds going to Myeloma UK.

Alan said: “I have been privileged to be invited to entertain at Burns Suppers over the last 25 years.

“It was quite daunting to ask for a cash donation towards my charity appeal, however the response has been fantastic and I pass on my sincere thanks to every organisation and individual who helped in any way to assist in raising this money.

“The money will go a long way to assist patients and their families who are afflicted by this rare cancer.”

And it seems charitable acts run in the family as Alan’s 16-year-old daughter Amy has raised around £800 in aid of Myeloma UK after she did a tandem skydive at Glenrothes last weekend.

Alan added: “She said it was a fantastic experience. I’m so proud of her and she has raised a terrific amount for the charity.”

Her cousins, Jennifer Reynolds, Donna Johnston and Angela Keys have also been inspired to fundraise in memory of their late father by holding coffee mornings and taking part in charity runs all in aid of the charity.

For more information about myeloma please visit Myeloma UK’s website at http://www.myeloma.org.uk/