Two North-east charities, which between them help hundreds of people suffering from the chronic conditions dementia and multiple sclerosis, have been thrown a financial lifeline thanks to Aberdeen’s premier annual sports-themed fundraising dinner, Sportschallenge.
Grampian MS Therapy Centre and Banchory-based dementia charity Forget-Me-Not will this year join existing beneficiaries Maggie’s and Children’s Aid (Scotland) in receiving a share of the total sum raised at the popular event, which is hosted by Simmons & Company International, energy specialists of Piper Jaffray.
Teams from businesses across Aberdeen and the North-east will battle it out across four rounds of sports trivia as they compete in the question of sport-style quiz, which will take place on Thursday, September 13, at the AECC. It will be hosted by former Rangers player and Scotland International Ally McCoist, alongside renowned sporting personality Alan McInally.
Monies raised will go towards the Active Forget-Me-Not project, which helps individuals with dementia to continue enjoying sports and activities, while the Grampian MS Therapy Centre in Dyce will use the money to upgrade and refurbish its 20-year-old oxygen chamber.
Nick Dalgarno, managing director at Simmons, said that both charities work tirelessly within their communities to help individuals, as well as providing much needed support to families and carers.
“What struck me most was that both dementia and multiple sclerosis are conditions that can happen to anyone, and the affect they have on individuals and their families can be devastating.
“Particularly in the case of dementia, successful campaigns are leading to a raised awareness of symptoms, which means that people are being diagnosed earlier and at a younger age. Receiving treatment and support in the early stages is vital and can have a significant impact on the progression of the disease. The Active Forget-Me-Not project allows people to reclaim a once loved sport or hobby, helping them to hold onto their interests, independence and mobility for as long as possible.
“The Grampian MS Therapy Centre is another amazing facility that is entirely funded by donations and is run by two dedicated individuals. Its Oxygen Chamber helps alleviate the symptoms of those who use the facility, but it is now old and dated. With the nearest alternative centres being in Dundee and Inverness, its refurbishment is now urgent. Sportschallenge will ensure that local treatment continues to be available.”
Established in 1999 and staffed almost entirely by volunteers, the Forget-Me-Not Club provides support, education and advice to those living with and caring for people with dementia.
Development manager, Lesley Fletcher, commented that each week more than 70 people visit the club’s Bennett House, a purpose-built resource centre in Banchory.
Lesley said: “The Forget-Me-Not Club really is unique in this area. We are continually striving to be innovative with the kind of services and activities we provide, and we also keep up with all the latest academic research on the subject, which we then incorporate into the work we do every day.
“We were finding that more and more people in their 50s and 60s were using our services, many of whom used to be cyclists, golfers and hillwalkers. They don’t want to play dominoes or card games – they want to continue to be active, so we came up with a range of activities including the walking football group. Every week, we go to Knockburn Sports Loch, where they can take part in sports such walking and cycling, using specially adapted tricycles in a safe and secure environment.
“Being a charity which doesn’t charge for its services, we are wholly reliant on donations, grants, fundraising and support from the local council, so to be chosen as one of the beneficiaries of Sportschallenge is very exciting and very much appreciated.”
Grampian MS Therapy Centre opened in 1983 in the city’s Dyce area to provide therapy for people with MS and other conditions. The centre offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy, specialised physiotherapy and a range of holistic treatments, as well as information, advice and support.
Manager Eileen Matthew said: “Each week, more than 100 people use our oxygen chamber, where they breathe pure oxygen for 20 minutes. It is a natural therapy which helps relieve the many different symptoms experienced by sufferers. We are also planning to set up a new oxygen room, which can be used by individuals who perhaps can’t use the chamber because they are either claustrophobic or have a cold.
“Individuals hear about us through word of mouth, and the sooner they can start the oxygen treatment, the sooner they will notice their symptoms improving. We rely entirely on donations so we were delighted to be chosen as one of Sportchallenge’s charities this year.”
Now in its sixth year, Sportschallenge has raised more than £400,000 to date for a range of local charities; this year, the team is hoping that amount will rise to more than £500,000. It will again be supported by gold sponsors CNR International. An additional two new sponsors - Blackwood Partners and Coretax – will also support the event.
Tables are still available and those looking to book a corporate package to support a local cause can find more information here.