Anna Jane Melrose fund still doing good work
The fund-raising legacy forged by a young Angus girl during her fight against a brain tumour is continuing to bring support to others battling serious illness.
- By Graham Brown
- Published in the Courier : 22.12.10
- Published online : 22.12.10 @ 09.28pm
Anna Jane Melrose, from Kirriemuir, died in spring 2004, 15 months after the diagnosis of the condition which the steely youngster refused to let stand in the way of a normal life.
The inspirational eight-year-old's resilient response to the tumour also saw her establish a fund for young patients, through which she raised thousands of pounds before her heartbreaking death, and that good work has been carried on in the years since — to the tune of around £35,000.
This week saw the latest donation to the Anna Jane Melrose Fund, a £1250 cheque from Sandy Davidson, from Wood of Dalbog, near Edzell.
Sandy held a party in advance of his 50th birthday on Tuesday and asked for donations to the fund in lieu of gifts.
Anna's mother, Hazel, collected the cheque from Sandy, a colleague of her husband Alistair, and said it was a fitting tribute to her daughter that the fund-raising effort started by the Northmuir PS pupil was continuing.
"It was Anna who kick started things when she was not well, raising money to buy new beds for the children's ward at Ninewells," said Hazel.
Anna's effort secured three new beds to help immobile patients at the hospital, and since then the tens of thousands of pounds which have continued to stream into the fund have helped the Ninewells cancer campaign.
The fund has also supported the Fairy Box scheme, based at the Tayside hospital, but providing gifts and toys to children in wards around Scotland.
"The Anna Jane Melrose fund has probably raised over £35,000 since it was started," added Hazel.
"For us it keeps Anna's memory alive and it is lovely that people continue to support it in her name."
Anna's legacy also lives on in awards at Kirrie Brownies and the town's golf club, where this year her younger brother, Fraser (13) produced a special and emotional moment for the Melrose family when he won the memorial trophy in her name for the first time.
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