Fundraising event in memory of inspirational teenager

Jun 23 2011 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

A GIANT fundraising event dedicated to the memory of an inspirational West Lothian teenager has raised a staggering £70,000.

Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids’ Drive for Teenage Cancer Trust saw Alan Biggar tour the UK in his 1957 Morgan sportscar.

The fundraiser, which has already raised thousands for the children’s cancer charity, ended on June 6 with a procession of Harley Davidson motorcycles, Morgans and other classic cars back to Charlotte Square in Edinburgh.

Alan visited the 20 Bauer Media Group’s Cash for Kids radio stations along with 10 other locations, including places like Truro in Cornwall, Belfast and Inverness covering a distance of 2,345 miles.

He was greeted at the welcome home party at the Roxburghe Hotel by the Edinburgh’s Lord and Lady Provost, George and Elizabeth Grubb, as well as by Michael Matheson MSP, Minister for Public Health.

Alan said there had been many highlights along the way.

He added: “It was great arriving back at Radio Forth, job done and the Morgan’s engine did not miss a beat all the way round the country.

“Another highlight was driving in Scotland, England, Wales, albeit very briefly, and Northern Ireland, spreading the word about Cash for Kids and Teenage Cancer Trust.

“It was also good to visit the Teenage Cancer Trust unit at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow, where I met Shaun and James who were in for treatment, and being introduced to the staff.

“I have to say thank you to everybody who has donated so far; to my main sponsors Brewin Dolphin, The Sportsman’s Charity, Vino, John Bellany, Dr John Lowrie Morrison, Margaret Evans, HSBC and J & E Shepherd; and to my co-drivers, Hugh Brown, Hugh McMinn, Aly Hunter, Simon Scott and of course Forth One’s Boogie.”

The campaign was launched in January by the artist Dr John Lowrie Morrison and has so far raised £70,000 for Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids.

The fundraising appeal in turn is kindly donating 75 per cent of their total funds to the Teenage Cancer Trust East of Scotland Appeal.

Alan has so far raised over £200,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust in memory of Uphall teenager Zoe King.

Zoe lost her three-year battle with soft tissue sarcoma just days before her 18th birthday in September 2007.

The former Broxburn Academy pupil was a keen fundraiser for Teenage Cancer Trust.

Brave Zoe inspired others throughout the country with her positive attitude throughout her illness.

Alan decided to get involved in the fundraising efforts as Zoe’s mother, Sharon, had worked with him at Brewin Dolphin in Edinburgh for many years.

Sharon joined Alan to hand over the cheque for £70,000 raised from the drive to Lesley Fraser-Taylor of Radio Forth’s Cash for Kids.

The charity champion took part in the event to raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust’s £1.6million East of Scotland Appeal.

Funds raised will provide specialist units at the Western General Hospital and the New Children’s Hospital in Edinburgh.

The efforts will also fund specialist clinical staff for the units to provide the very best care and support for young people.