Rare whiskies will be auctioned off at the weekend to raise money for one Speyside family’s tribute to their son.
The Tweedies have already raised more than £135,000 since son Callum tragically died from complications with Crohn’s Disease nearly seven years ago.
At the weekend, money-cannot-buy whisky lots will go under the hammer to raise more in memory of the Craigellachie teenager and to ensure other families do not have to go through the same heartache.
His mum, Jane, said: “Callum died just a few days after his 18th birthday in 2010. He was very sporty – he was always playing football, squash and badminton but the disease meant he couldn’t keep it up.
“We just want more research done into it so that other families don’t have to go through what we have been through.
“Callum was diagnosed when he was 14 but there are children out there who are diagnosed as young as six years old.
“It’s a very debilitating condition – it stopped him from doing all the things that a teenager would normally want to do, like going camping with his friends.
Crohn’s is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulcers to form anywhere from the mouth to the colon. Symptoms can include severe stomach pains, diarrhoea, fever and weight loss.
The star lot going under the hammer at the auction on Saturday is a VIP tour of the Macallan distillery, followed by dinner and bed and breakfast at Easter Elchies House, the spiritual home of the malt which is ordinarily not open to the public.
Other items include a limited edition Battle of Jutland malt from Highland Park valued at more than £300 and a much sought-after 30-year-old from the same Orkney distillery valued at more than £600.
Glengoyne Distillery, where Callum and his family lived for three years, has also donated a selection of bottles for the event.
Money raised at the Cookery, Curry and Cabaret fundraiser will be donated to Crohn’s in Childhood Research Association (CICRA).
Mrs Tweedie said: “We’ve done it before and it has always been a great night. The girls from Authentic Indian Cookery cook the meals in my kitchen and then they are all transported down to Craigellachie Village Hall to be kept warm in ovens.
“They do demonstrations to show how to make a proper curry too. Sponsored events are popular but we prefer to give people something back for their money.”
Since Callum’s death in January 2010 the family have organised concerts, a golf marathon and discos to raise money for the cause.
The teenager’s father Alexander Tweedie explained that their own tragedy had opened their eyes to how many youngsters have the illness.
He said: “We got help from CICRA when Callum was going through his illness, that’s the charity closest to my heart without a doubt.
“Until Callum was diagnosed I didn’t realise just how many children are actually affected by it. It’s important that research is done to fund a cure, or at least improve the medication to reduce the discomfort for patients.”
Mr Tweedie added: “There are a lot of rare whiskies in the auction. It should generate a lot of interest with collectors.”
The Cookery, Curry and Cabaret fundraiser takes place in Craigellachie Village Hall on Saturday. Tickets cost £25 and can be booked by phoning Mrs Tweedie on 01340 871515.
