Townswomen hear all about granting wishes to life-limited children

CHAIRMAN Mrs Margaret Robertson opened Fortwilliam Townswomen's Guild's first meeting of the New Year at Seaview Presbyterian Church recently, warmly welcoming members, especially new member, Robena McAuley.

After the apologies, the December minutes were read, adopted and signed.

The Financial Report was given by Treasurer Molly Wilson, and the Federation Report read by the Chairman.

On March 3, the TG Federation are hosting a Women’s Lunch, in the City Hall at which Dame Mary Peters will be the speaker. It is also hoped that Patron, HRH Princess Anne will attend.

Business concluded, the Chairman introduced guest speaker Gail McKee from the ‘Make A Wish’ charity founded in 1986.

Granting wishes for life-limited children aged between 3 and 17, the charity facilitates everything from young people meeting celebrities and footballers, to them visiting places like Disneyworld or providing a child with the chance to ‘be somebody for the day’.

Currently there are 20,000 life-limited children in Great Britain alone. The charity does not receive any government or lottery funding and so relies totally on the generosity of the public, which in turn, allowed 49 wishes to be granted last year.

Gail’s enthusiasm was infectious as she answered questions posed by Guild members.

June Cosgrove thanked Gail for sharing information about this very worthy cause, and members showed their appreciation with a cheque being presented to Gail.

Ethel Crockett refreshed all those gathered with a welcome cup of tea, and the Chairman wished everyone a safe journey home. She also reminded the Guild of the outing and tour of the City Hall with refreshments at the the Bobbin on Wednesday, February 17 at 2.15pm, instead of the February meeting.