At this time of year, it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. We all love getting out to see what the neighbour’s decorations look like.
This year Alistair Smith and Grant MacDonald from Beechgrove Place, Perth are preparing to light up the Festive season again with their Christmas Light display. Last year, for the first time, they opened their garden for members of the public to enjoy their garden display whilst giving them an opportunity to donate to their chosen charity, raising over £9,000 for Bone Cancer Research.
Alistair said, “Last year we were saddened that our nephew passed away in September 2021 with Bone Cancer, specifically Ewing Sarcoma, which affects teenagers and unfortunately Gavin passed away aged just 20. There is so much research needed into Bone Cancer and how it affects teenagers, a charity called Liberty’s Legacy was set up. Liberty had Ewing Sarcoma and passed away just after her 14th birthday. Gavin’s wish was that money was raised for research, so we are delighted to support Bone Cancer Research again this year”.
Grant continued “This year our Great Niece Penney was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, a rare and life limiting form of epilepsy. A seizure may happen at any time and the family needs to be ready to help. The medication routine is exacting and we are all being trained on how to administer medication if needed. We are all supporting Penney, her brothers and sister and her Mum and Dad to give Penney the best chance to shine. Dravet Syndrome UK supports families with specialist equipment and support. That’s why we are also supporting Dravet Syndrome UK.”
The Bone Cancer Research Trust
They added, “We have continued to buy new items for our displays, so some popular items from last year are back along with many new items. We hope you can visit us, you can’t miss it, just head to Beechgrove Place in Perth, have a look round the garden, take pictures, spread the joy and happiness and scan the QR code or visit our fundraising page.
“We were delighted that many members of our family were there to see the Christmas lights go on again this year. The garden will be open every day from 4.30pm until 10pm, just come along with the kids, friends and family and enjoy. We know this year everyone is feeling the financial pinch, but if you can afford to donate the family would be delighted”.
The Bone Cancer Research Trust is dedicated to saving lives & improving outcomes for people affected by primary bone cancer. Despite being small, they fund more research projects exploring primary bone cancer than any other organisation. Other large UK cancer research charities do not prioritise bone cancer patients, in 2019 just 0.028% of their research spend went to bone cancer – not even close to 1%. Last year alone, Bone Cancer Research Trust committed an incredible £807,824 to pioneering bone cancer research to save lives.
Dravet Syndrome
Often described as a complex form of epilepsy, Dravet Syndrome is a rare neurological condition that affects around one in every 15,000 people in the UK. As well as experiencing severe, difficult-to-control seizures, children and adults with Dravet Syndrome have varying degrees of intellectual disability and a spectrum of associated conditions (known as ‘comorbidities’), which may include autism, ADHD, behaviours that challenge and difficulties with speech, mobility, eating and sleep.
Bylines Scotland supports this is wonderful expression of the true meaning of Christmas and wishes Alistair and Grant every success with their Christmas Light Display for Charity 2022.
You can contact Alistair Smith at 07963 899 550, or by emailing alistairbgp@gmail.com. Find out more about how you can support Dravet Syndrome UK and the Bone Cancer Research Trust (BCRT) through Alistair and Grant’s website and Facebook page. Also, scan the QR code, below.
