Marion put on the style
 “It also gave me the chance to thank my clients at Cresswell and Co for their friendship and loyalty for the last 23 years.
“The first thing we thought of was how we could give something back to others. So we decided to ask each of our guests to donate money, with £10 given as a guide, to CHAS.
“Everyone was more than happy to help, with many giving far more.”
Two hundred invitations were sent out and 170 guests attended the party at Milngavie Town Hall on July 9, the day before Marion’s 60th birthday. Guests from Stornoway, Arran, Yorkshire and even Canada came to celebrate and donate.
Married for 38 years, Marion and Robert pulled out all the stops.
In December, Marion asked us for the CHAS logo so she could include it in the party theme.
The logo was embossed on each guest’s invitation and place setting at the table, the colour scheme was CHAS’s red, green and white and even the birthday cake used the rocking horse motif.
Important
Marion’s 78-year-old cousin Mabel Smith made the cake. Mabel has helped look after her younger brother, who has
been ill all his life, since they were children.
Marion explains, “Robert and I know how important respite is for families, and we think it’s important to care for children in a loving family environment — and that’s what CHAS is all about.”
Marion now plans to hand over the reins to her staff at her hair and beauty salon in Cresswell Lane, just off Byres Road.
“I want to be able to do more volunteer work for CHAS. I started off as a beauty therapist and over the years I started offering alternative therapies, like aromatherapy, massage and healing. In fact, many of my clients call me a witch!
“I’d love to go into the hospices to pamper the mums, dads and, of course, the children.”
Cris Morton, representing CHAS said, “What Marion and Robert have done is wonderful. Cheques like these really make such a difference.
“I work voluntarily for CHAS and I see where the money goes. We can promise that 90p in every £1 goes directly to the children. We’re very proud of that.”
Trust
Marion added, “That’s another reason we chose to help CHAS. You hear so many stories of money not going to the heart of a charity, whereas we can trust CHAS to do the right thing.
“I always read The Sunday Post and have followed the campaign every week. That awareness makes you want to do even more.”
And Marion’s generosity doesn’t stop with her party.
“Now the party’s over I want to auction a few items for CHAS on eBay, including a signed Rangers strip, and a beautiful pearl necklace donated by my friend, Rosamund Rutherford.
“I’m also hoping to have a signed Celtic strip to auction soon.”
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hospice@sundaypost.com
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Robert (second from left) and birthday girl Marion 
