Knightswood girls 
reach for the stars       

By Paul Hastie A TEAM from Knightswood Secondary in Glasgow is becoming star contributors to our Hospice Appeal. The 10-girl charity committee has handed over another £1800 for CHAS — bringing their total to a whopping £3300. Money like this doesn’t raise itself. The enterprising teens have worked tirelessly for the past two years to keep the pounds rolling in for Robin House. The gang of 10 first approached technical teacher Liz McShane in their fourth year, to ask if they could start a charity committee. In charge

The Knightswood teachers’ version  of the Spice Girls.

“The girls asked if I would help out,” said Liz. “They wanted to do something for other young people — it was a charity they could relate to. “I was happy to help, but they’re the ones in charge. They organise everything — they tell me what to do and I do it.” The girls go into sixth year after the summer, but the fund-raising is still going strong. Their last big event was a Stars In Your Eyes showdown, where they managed to twist the arms of pupils and teachers to get them on stage. No effort was spared, with video interviews played on the big screen before each act.  The winner was first year Joshua Lee as Gareth Gates. He was delighted to have a trio of sixth year girls volunteer to be his backing dancers. But the teachers weren’t to be outdone. Drama teacher Terri McIntosh gave a spectacular feather-boaed performance as Shirley Bassey.  And a special mention goes to Kathleen Clarke, Dorothy Gaffney, Joan Morgan, Ruth Kelly and Carolyn McElroy, who bravely glitzed-up as the Spice Girls. By the end of the night the charity girls had collected nearly £1000, but they weren’t going to stop there. Throughout last year they’ve held a number of raffles, collections and competitions to gather another £800. Combined with £1500 raised from a Mr & Mrs contest and other events, the girls have amassed a magnificent £3300. Inspired “The charity committee’s goal was to raise £3000,” Liz explained. “But the girls have already beaten that. “We visited Rachel House in December, which inspired them and has kept them going with the fund-raising. “They’re planning a new Mr & Mrs night for later in the year, so even more money will be coming in.” She laughed, “I’ve had to add an extra day to the week to keep up with them.” Hats off to Emma Curran, Fiona Carmichael, Allison McDonald, Lauren Docherty, Debbie Allen, Emma Gallagher, Toni Goode, Fiona McCormack, Terri Palmer and Mhairi Ballantyne. The hard work of the Knightswood girls has brought the opening of Robin House another step closer.

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