Foreign currency 
floods in

By Gary Moug and Murray Scougall THE FAME of our hospice appeal has spread all over the world with donations flooding in from as far afield as Canada, America and the Middle East. Kirsten Forsythe (7) sent a message of support along with a cheque for £20 from Dubai, where she attends a school for Scottish children.  Mary McFadden, from New Jersey, USA, sent $50. Mary was born and raised in Scotland and has fond memories of Loch Lomond, which she describes as a beautiful location for the new hospice.  Isabel Chambers, from California, also sent a cheque for $50 after reading about the appeal on our Internet site. She said she looks forward to the day our goal is achieved.  John Anderson, in Forest Hills, New York, is, like millions of Americans, still struggling to come to terms with the terrible terrorist attacks on his home State.  However, he generously sent a cheque for £100. John lived in Edinburgh as a child before his family emigrated to the Big Apple. Kung-fu fighters Nearer to home a variety of clubs and organisations have now joined in the fund-raising campaign. Robert Smith, chief instructor of the martial arts class at Bell’s Sports Centre in Perth, said, “We have an annual competition called the Clan Challenge which covers sports such as karate, kung-fu and kick-boxing. “This year we charged the competitors to enter the contest, and this paid for the hiring of the sports centre, trophies and cash prizes. After this, we still had £400 left over which we decided to give to this very worthwhile cause.” And in Motherwell a Ladies’ Charity Dance Night held in the local Miners’ Club raised £243. Andrea Wilson, one of the hard-working fund-raisers, said, “It was a great amount to raise in just one night. I would just like to thank all the businesses and companies in the area who gave us so many super raffle prizes.” Workers in William Hill bookmakers are trying to resist the tempting allure of the local chippie in their bid to shed pounds for £s. Mary Rose of the Kilsyth branch is one of 16 slimmers from branches across the Alloa, Bainford and Bonnybridge area who have embarked on a sponsored slim for our CHAS campaign. She says, “We’re all planning to be in great shape for Christmas! So far the punters coming into the shop have been very encouraging and generous with their donations too.” Anyone wishing to sponsor the bookies’ efforts can contact Mary on 01236 823376. Last Sunday’s angling contest at Sandyknowes Fishery raised £1580 for our appeal.  The rolling total is now an incredible £44,000. Well done to you all!

You can e-mail us at: hospice@sundaypost.com