Forklift firm does 
wheely well        

WHEN TWO employees from an East Kilbride forklift company decided to join our campaign, they had no idea what their efforts would lead to. Tom West and Arthur Jaap chose to embark on a 25-mile sponsored cycle to raise money for CHAS, but as word of their ambitious plan spread round their office at Lansing Linde Scotland, more and more people signed up to join them.  And on the day of the event, no fewer than 41 cyclists took part — with a magnificent £3324.20 being raised. A spokeswoman for Lansing Linde Scotland said, “It all started when Tom and Arthur decided to cycle the 25-mile towpath at the Forth and Clyde Canal between Glasgow and the Falkirk Wheel.  “The run was eventually completed by 41 work colleagues, friends and family with a further 10 non-cyclists providing back-up support and welcome refreshments at stopping points along the way. “The event was so successful that a cycle club has now been formed with regular outings throughout the year!” Swinging time in Bathgate THERE WAS twice the fun at Bathgate Golf Club as a joint birthday party helped raise £600 for our appeal. Friends and family of Jenny Bell and her daughter’s partner, Larry Sweeney, had a swinging time as they danced the night away. The night was organised by Jenny’s daughters, Janette Condie and Margaret Sargeant, who is Larry’s partner. Jenny was celebrating her 85th birthday and it was Larry’s 65th — which also marked his retiral. The kind-hearted pair told the 100 family and friends who came not to bring gifts but instead give a donation to our campaign, after reading of our appeal in these pages every week. Janette said, “At 85 years old, my mother felt there was nothing she needed so she wanted to give a donation to a good cause instead and The Sunday Post Hospice Appeal seemed the perfect choice. Larry agreed and we were overjoyed at the show of generosity from everyone there.” The guests, who ranged in age from an eight-week-old baby to a granny of 95, travelled from all over the country to join the celebrations. The night proved to be a wonderful success for Jenny and Larry as well as our appeal. Popular Margaret’s generous gesture IT’S NEVER too late to join our appeal, and if you need any proof, then look no further then 90-year-old Margaret Patterson from Largs.  Margaret celebrated her 90th birthday recently. But, inspired by our appeal, instead of presents and flowers Margaret, who is almost totally deaf and blind, insisted she wanted all her friends and family to donate money to CHAS. Around 100 people visited the popular lady at her home on the day, leaving donations in a box she had placed by the door.  Margaret’s friend, Sir Albert McQuarrie said, “Margaret was insistent that no-one was to give her presents. She just said the new hospice needed the money more than she did.” Margaret’s birthday bash raised £736.50. Kind hearts in Killie David and Senga Watson, of Kilmarnock, asked guests at their silver wedding anniversary to donate cash and cheques to CHAS rather than give them presents.  The generous couple’s party at the Charleston Bar in Kilmarnock raised a total of £640.

You can e-mail us at: hospice@sundaypost.com