A fundraising event, designed to boost the £3.9 million expansion of an Aberdeen neurological centre, has raised more than £35,000 for the appeal.
Sue Ryder Dee View Court is currently involved in transforming its facility in Kincorth – which offers round-the-clock care for 24 residents – so that it can look after another 20 people in the future.
The centre caters for people living with life-changing neurological conditions such as brain injuries, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, stroke and motor neurone disease.
Dee View Court is currently the only purpose-built specialist neurological centre in Scotland.
The charity organised a series of initiatives, including both a live and a silent auction at the Bonhams event in London, and augmented that with cash raised from a pop-up vintage shop, a performance by comedian, Mark Dolan, and a dance-inspired fashion show.
A-list stars pledge support to Aberdeen charity’s £3.9m expansion
Sue Ryder has already raised more than £2.3 million towards the project and work started in August, with an expected completion date next summer.
Holly Spiers, its director of hospices and fundraising, said: “We are delighted that the event which took place at Bonhams, along with our online auction and pop-up shop, raised over £35,000 for the Dee View Court capital appeal.
“We would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all those who have supported the event, some of whom travelled from Aberdeen to be here in London.
“We were very lucky to have support and some amazing donations from a host of celebrities and iconic names from the fashion and entertainment worlds.
“These funds raised will help our extension to Dee View Court, which will provide not only expert care but also a home for an additional 20 people in Scotland living with complex neurological needs.”
The auction was bolstered by the donation of personal items from a range of star names, including Kate Moss, Gillian Anderson, Eddie Redmayne, Jean Shrimpton, Sam Smith, Daniel Radcliffe, Susie Cave, and Iskra Lawrence.
The charity has also relaunched its Brick by Brick 100 appeal, with the aim of recruiting 100 “builders” – individuals, organisations and companies – to donate or pledge £1,000 to buy a brick for the venture.
Those who commit to the venture will have their backing recognised with a mural in the new extension, which will include the names of all the supporters.
The organisation confirmed yesterday it has already gained six new supporters in the space of a few days and others have intimated interest.
