An Orkney teenager’s inspiring cancer story has helped raise more than £100,000 for charity.
More than £130,000 was raised at Aberdeen-based CLAN Cancer Support’s annual Christmas Cracker Ball last month.
Emily Findlay, 19, from Orkney gave an inspiring talk about her fight with neuroblastoma, a rare cancer affecting children and young people, which she was diagnosed with when she was just 14-years-old.
Following two years of intensive treatment and 18 months of remission, the cancer returned earlier this year.
Along with telling her story, Emily was also the inspiration behind one of the most popular auction lots made available on the night.
Orkney jeweller, Sheila Fleet, donated a diamond daisy necklace and matching earrings to the event, with the pieces forming part of a special collection entitled ‘Daisies for Emily’, designed in honour of the 19-year-old.
For every sale from the ‘Daisies for Emily’ collection a contribution is made to the Orkney Charitable Trust to help support Emily and her family.
The pieces donated to CLAN for the event fetched an impressive £3,200, with all funds raised in total on the night going towards CLAN’s provision of free support services to anyone affected by cancer across the north and north-east of Scotland.
Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said: “Emily’s talk really was a touching moment and we’re so grateful for both her and Sheila’s support throughout the night.
“The diamond daisy necklace and earrings are beautiful pieces and I’m sure they will be worn with pride by the person who purchased them during the auction.”
She added: “The evening was a tremendous success and we are delighted to have raised over £130,000 on the night.
“We would like to thank our main sponsor Dolphin Drilling and all our other sponsors and guests for helping make it such an incredible night.”
The Christmas Cracker auction saw popular lots ranging from a relaxing stay at a villa in either Spain or Tenerife to an indulgent weekend at Logie House in Aberdeenshire go under the hammer.