Montrose Port Authority (MPA) has signalled its ongoing commitment to supporting local charitable causes with a significant donation of £20,000 to DEBRA UK’s Montrose fundraising team.
DEBRA UK is a national medical research charity and patient outreach organisation dedicated to supporting those with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and their families. EB is a rare and extremely painful genetic skin condition which is thought to affect more than 5,000 people in the UK. Often known as “butterfly skin”, the disorder causes the skin to be extremely fragile, easily blistering under minimal trauma and friction.
EB currently has no cure and is generally not well known or understood. DEBRA UK has played a pivotal role in EB research globally, helping to make significant progress in advancing the diagnosis, treatment, and daily management of the condition. Funds raised by DEBRA go towards valuable medical research and support for its nearly 4,000 members in the UK.
The charity’s fundraising efforts in Montrose are spearheaded by DEBRA UK’s Director of Fundraising for Scotland, Laura Forsyth. A native of the Angus town, Laura was inspired to bring awareness to the condition by her cousin Adana Forsyth, who suffered from the rare disorder. Known as the “butterfly girl” to locals, Adana passed away as a result of EB in 2008 at just 10 years old.
The money donated by MPA will go towards the Montrose group’s upcoming expedition to Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro. Setting off in October, a team of 15 supporters will be taking on the 5,895-metre summit climb with the aim to raise £80,000. Money raised from the trek will go towards supplying groundbreaking drugs to EB patients that help to relieve the pain and itchiness associated with living with the disorder.
MPA also sponsors DEBRAFEST, a yearly festival in the Angus town that raises money and awareness for DEBRA UK. Bringing together the community for a day of fun, the one-day festival features live music from local artists, food stalls and a range of activities for all ages. The event consecutively raised more than £30,000 in 2023 and 2024. This year’s DEBRAFEST is due to take place on Saturday 26th of July at Gill Park, Montrose.
Commenting on the donation, DEBRA UK’s Laura Forsyth said: “We’re thrilled to receive this generous donation from MPA. Their ongoing support helps us continue our efforts to raise awareness around EB and help improve the quality of life of people living with the condition.”
She continued, “Although the climb will be challenging, we’re incredibly excited about the impact the Kilimanjaro expedition is going to have. The group has already begun training, and this donation has given us a real boost to keep up the effort.”
CEO of Montrose Port Authority Tom Hutchison said: “We’re proud to be supporting DEBRA’s Montrose fundraising group as our chosen Angus charity of the year. Laura’s passion shines through and we know that this cause is close to the hearts of many people throughout Montrose. We’re looking forward to seeing the community out for DEBRAFEST this summer, and everyone at the port wishes the group well as they embark on their Kilimanjaro expedition later in the year.”
MPA’s donation follows the trust port’s generous donation to 2024’s chosen Angus charity of the year, Guide Dogs Scotland, and its continued support of several local charities through its community benefit fund, seeing more than £430,000 donated to over 70 local causes in the last four years.