Cancer support charity, Maggie’s Aberdeen, raised £140,000 at its Valentine’s Ball in February. The event was led and organised by Pat Machray of ANM Group alongside Richard Stewart, Class of ‘88, who is the Centre Fundraising Manager at Maggie’s in Aberdeen. The 450 attendees were treated to a fantastic meal and entertainment from the Red Hot Chili Pipers at Thainstone Exchange. The money was raised from ticket sales, a live auction, a silent auction, games and donations. Richard comments: “The funds are a huge boost to the charity, coming so early in the year - they will allow us to do an incredible amount of good in support of local people with cancer and their families. I want to personally thank all the prize donors who did us proud with their generosity for our auction and silent auction, allowing us to pull together an amazing prize fund that really struck a chord with guests. It was marvellous to have such an incredible turn-out at the event itself, as well as on the online auction platform. It was an amazing night, and I feel privileged to have been involved. Special thanks must go to Pat Machray and the rest of the organising committee who put in a power of work to make sure the evening was such a success, as well as our multi-talented compere Robert Lovie, who as well as singing and performing poetry, ensured the night was a memorable one.”

Planning is already well under way for the charity’s next big fundraising events; their annual golf day at Deeside Golf Club and Culture Crawl, both of which will take place in June.

Former pupil, Richard Stewart, helps to raise £140,000 for Maggie’s Aberdeen at their Valentine’s Ball