THE OLD FIRM have joined in the appeal for Moray three-year-old Eileidh Paterson by donating prizes for a special night organised by local entertainer Andy Layton James and Frances Mackie.
A coach has been organised to ship Moray residents to a special evening on Friday at the Inverurie Bowling Club where Andy has organised a fundraising dance.
Both Celtic and Rangers have donated raffle prizes for the evening – as well as a signed Aberdeen football shirt and a wide variety of prizes.
The fundraising effort by Andy and event organiser Frances E Mackie is the latest in hundreds taking place throughout the country on behalf of Forres toddler Eileidh, who is currently awaiting test results to learn if she will be fit enough to travel to the United States for potential life-saving treatment aimed at preventing a relapse in her fight against Neuroblastoma.
The evening at Inverurie is turning into a major celebration with the fantastic news for the Paterson’s that their online fundraising target of £100,000 was reached yesterday – but every penny still counts with any surplus funding being used to help bring the pioneering treatment Eileidh is hoping to undergo to the UK.
Eileidh’s mum Gail told insideMoray: “The reaction of people from all over has been absolutely wonderful and lots of events have been organised and will continue to be held, with any excess funds raised over the £100,000 remaining in Eileidh’s account for five years in case she suffers from a relapse.”
Frances told insideMoray: “We have organised a bus that will be leaving from the Square in Lossiemouth at 6.30pm, picking up people in Elgin, Fochabers, Keith and Huntly on the way to Inverurie for the evening. Travelling with us and showing their support for Eileidh and her family will be Mr and Mrs Main from Logan’s Fund.
“As well as the raffle prizes donate by Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen we have signed CD’s and DVD’s sent over from Ireland by John McNicholl and Paddy O’Brien.
“There are a few seats still remaining on the bus so anyone who wishes to join us is welcome to do so.”
Anyone interested in making their way on the bus to Inverurie should call 01467 268408 or 07513 587755.
Details of the efforts being put in by individuals and groups are being posted on the Eileidh’s Journey Facebook Page while individuals or groups who wish to donate directly can do so by sending a texting EPAT88 to 70070 with the amount between £1 and £10 they wish to donate.
Donations can also be made online via the Eiledih’s Journey Just Giving website