Celebrities hail our readers’ generosity     

By Colin Grant MANY OF Scotland’s best-loved celebrities have boosted our efforts during the past 12 months.  Some have publicly supported our fund-raising attempts, while others have worked behind the scenes.  Here’s what some of them had to say about our campaign breaking through the magic £1 million barrier. Sharleen Spiteri was the first to join us. The Texas lead singer kicked off the campaign by agreeing to write to every school in the country, urging pupils to raise money for the new hospice. When she heard we’d reached the magic million she said, “It’s great to see the campaign launched by CHAS and The Sunday Post doing so brilliantly.  “Who would have guessed at the start that together they could reach £1 million in such a short time. “But it’s vital that more money is raised to ensure the new hospice becomes a reality. Hundreds of children and their families are depending on it.” Ewan McGregor said, “I am delighted that £1 million has been raised.  Congratulations to The Sunday Post and to everyone who has contributed in any way. We can’t stop here though, we must keep going to raise even more.” TV presenter Sally Magnusson was delighted to hear The Sunday Post total has now reached the £1 million mark.  “I have visited Rachel House children’s hospice in Kinross and have seen first-hand the excellent work that they do, she said. “The Sunday Post and their readers have achieved a terrific amount in 12 months. It shows the high level of support out there for CHAS.”

James Macpherson Sharleen Spiteri Elaine C. Smith Ewan McGregor Sally Magnusson Johnny Beattie Carol Smillie

Former Taggart star James Macpherson was also excited to hear the news, “Great news about the £1 million. There are a million reasons why you should buy The Sunday Post and support CHAS. Scotland needs a second children’s hospice.” Carol Smillie said, “Like any mother, my kids are the centre of my world and I can’t begin to imagine how I would cope should anything happen to any of them. “But the children at Rachel House, along with their mums, dads, brothers and sisters, are among the most brave and inspirational people I have ever met. Rachel House is a lifeline to them and the new hospice will be too.  “It is desperately needed and the money The Sunday Post readers have most generously raised will bring the second hospice a step closer.”  Comedienne Elaine C. Smith echoed the views of the other stars. “I had the privilege of visiting the hospice in Kinross this year when I was helping start a charity walk for CHAS. I was amazed and delighted at the wonderful, caring and joyous atmosphere there. “As a parent, the thought of your children being ill fills you with dread and I was very apprehensive before my visit. My worries disappeared as I met the staff and saw round the hospice.  “My congratulations to everyone who is helping with the fund-raising.” Last, but certainly not least, is one of Scotland’s best-loved comics, Johnny Beattie. Johnny, who stars in BBC Scotland’s new soap River City, has kept the country laughing for the best part of the past 50 years, and during that time he has worked tirelessly for a huge number of children’s causes.  The former shipyard worker has given a great deal of his time and support to underprivileged and disabled youngsters, without making a big song and dance about it. Most of his work has been done through the Variety Club of Scotland. Next month the “Barkers” (as they like to call themselves) are staging a tribute dinner for him — and Johnny has kindly agreed that some of the proceeds raised on the night will go to our campaign. He said, “It’s heartbreaking to know some kids will never become adults. Yet whenever I visit a hospice it is these same kids who are always the most cheery. I’m delighted that a sizeable proportion of anything we raise will go to such a good cause.” If you wish to join Johnny at his big night out in Glasgow’s Hilton Grosvenor Hotel on Sunday September 8, please contact Anne Wyper on 0141 357 4411.

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