FINAL COUNTDOWN TO 'BEAT THE BORDERS'

THE COUNTDOWN CONTINUES

just 24 hours to go ...

A FIRST HAND VIEW OF THE INCREDIBLY VALUABLE WORK BEING DONE BY OUR DESIGNATED CHARITY - CHAS

SPAA Secretary Janice Hogarth this week visited the charity's Robin House this week. Here's her report …

It's perhaps too easy, in these days of ever-increasing demands on our time and resources, to become cynical. So it's timely and humbling to be reminded just occasionally of the insight, commitment and unselfish hard work poured into a haven such as Robin House - not to mention the huge and unending financial investment it demands. Robin House exemplifies Children's Hospice Association Scotland's mission - providing Scotland's only hospice services for our children and young people who have life shortening conditions, and their families.

Is Robin House a serious place? Yes, in terms of its day to day work it is, offering not just patient and family respite care, but also really forward-looking activities - like the beautiful swimming pool that affords deeply physically challenged kids the rare opportunity to have a proper hug with a parent, or the 'light show' apparatus that allows very sick youngsters mental and emotional stimulation, and some simple fun, in their very restricted lives. So, is this haven of peace and support a happy place? Absolutely, and the 500+ kids, young people and family members who are helped by CHAS each year will attest to just how much Robin House, Rachel House and the charity's home outreach support mean to them.

My abiding memory of my visit is of the total commitment of the staff - wreathed in genuine smiles for all, and the response of the kids and families, for whom CHAS provides empathetic and insightful care at the most challenging time of their lives. And my message from my visit is a simple one. Of course, we all have seemingly endless calls on our generosity - but this call is from close to home; it's heartfelt and the cause is the worthiest you will ever encounter. Please dig deep!

LET'S ALL GET BEHIND TIM AS HE 'BEATS THE BORDERS' TO SUPPORT THIS VITAL ORGANISATION!

Can he 'Beat the Borders'? Yes, he can! Our very own Tim Roulston will participate in this gruelling challenge, raising money for CHAS with every mile he cycles and runs. Tim will take part in the 12-hour activity event in the Scottish Borders TOMORROW - Saturday 31 August. He'll take on the challenge by bike and on foot, with the objective of completing the 58 mile Gold Route. He's been in serious training and he's looking for YOUR support - so please dig deep and donate on his Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/spaa.

Best of luck to Tim - who's rising to the challenge selflessly and solely in support of this really worthy cause - and sincere thanks to YOU for your vital contribution!

our target ...

... let's get the total up to £1,500 by 5.00pm tomorrow!

visit www.justgiving.com/spaa and please give generously!

Janice Hogarth
SPAA Secretary
30 August 2013