A ceilildh has been organised by a Robert Gordon University student to help raise money for the ‘Fairy Box’ charity. Amy Paterson, who is in her second year of a Children’s Nursing Degree, is helping to co-ordinate a fundraising drive - with friends Sophie White of Banchory, and Rachael Keller of Bridge of Don - for ill children at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
They first came in contact with the ‘Fairy Box’ charity during their time working at Aberdeen’s Children’s Hospital as part of their degree. At the heart of the charity’s work is the Fairy Box itself, a themed gift box which sits on the children’s wards and is filled with small gifts of books, toys, and games.
There are seven of the boxes across Scotland, with two in Aberdeen, giving presents to children undergoing treatment.
However plans to open another 11 boxes across Scotland have been halted due to a lack of funds.
The boxes are an important part of a child’s treatment.
Amy said: “When so many specialist services for seriously ill children are centralised in centres – sometimes many miles from home - it is not always possible for parents to have the means, time or access, to find a gift for their child to help them through a difficult period, especially when they may be on duty by their child’s bedside, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
“From first-hand experience, we know that getting through bad times only happens moment by moment.
"How much lighter this task becomes when we are also blessed with the hopes and good wishes of folk who want to bring us much-needed comfort and cheer.
"We don’t have a specific target on money we’d like to raise - we just hope to sell all of our tickets and raise as much money as we can.”
The Fairy Ceilidh will be held at the Douglas Hotel for over-18s on March 24. Tickets are £15, and the price includes stovies.
Tickets are available by contacting Amy at amyrosepaterson@hotmail.com.
By Danielle O'Donnell
