A family will host a ball next month to raise money for two causes close to their hearts.
The inaugural Blue Thistle Ball will be held at the Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen on February 9.
Chris Milne, twin sister Kelly Milne and cousin Julie Cleverdon have working hard to organise the event which will raise money for urological charity Ucan and Friends of the Neuro Ward, which works to improve Ward 205 at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
The event has been created in memory of Ronnie Milne, the father of Chris and Kelly, and Ms Cleverdon’s father Roddy, who both lost their fights with cancer.
Guests will enjoy music from harpist Christine Edwards, dancing with bagpipe rock band Saltire Beat and events band Slinky as well as a three-course meal.
There will also be the chance to bid for some top auction items and raffle prizes, including a signed Alan Shearer top, an overnight stay at the Village Hotel Kingswells and five golf lessons with PGA professional Scott Henderson.
Miss Milne said: “The event will fall on both Roddy’s birthday and the second anniversary of my dad’s death.
“They were best chums since working together at Stoneywood Mill.
“They worked together and became best friends like brothers.”
Mr Milne said they had been thrilled with the sponsorship secured for the ball.
He said: “We’ve had great support with the event so far, with Trojan Crates, ITC hydraulics, Rubber Atkins, and CP & Co providing amazing sponsorship and help to the event.”
For those not able to make the event, raffle tickets are available to purchase at £5 per ticket by emailing info@bluethistlefundraising.com
Limited tickets are still available. To find out more visit Blue Thistle Ball on Facebook or email the address above.
Family paintings on offer
Among the prizes up for grabs is a particularly poignant collection of paintings.
Siblings Chris and Kelly Milne have decided to sell their father Ronnie’s works at the ball to further boost funds for Friends of Neuro and Ucan.
Ronnie Milne was a keen painter throughout his life, and continued throughout his illness.
Miss Milne said: “My dad loved drawing and painting.
“Even with his brain tumour he would still be up in his computer room pretending to be Bob Ross creating many a painting.
“The most popular one is the ‘Highland Coo’ so we’ve had 20 printed that will be mounted by Rhona Ramsay of Bozeys Art Shop, which will be sold on the
night.
Rhona Ramsay described the art work as “truly fantastic”.
She added: “He never blew his own trumpet about it, so I’m glad it’s getting some recognition.
“I’m really looking forward to the ball, it very much is a family affair with so many of us behind it, and will be a lovely evening.”
