A Dundee MP has formally recognised the success of the Oor Wullie Bucket Trail in the House of Commons.
Chris Law, who represents Dundee West, put down a second Early Day Motion within the House to mark the money raised in Tuesday’s auction.
He said: “The news that the Oor Wullie bucket trail, which captured the hearts of Dundonians and those from much farther afield, has raised £883,000 for the ARCHIE foundation is truly heart-warming. I couldn’t let that pass without recognising it in parliament.
“So many people were involved in making it happen but the biggest success has been the way the people of Dundee have come together, as they always do, to support a good cause.
“I confidently look forward to seeing the creation of two brand new children operating theatres in Tayside Children’s Hospital – thanks to the wee cheeky chappie!”
Meanwhile, more information about the successful Wullie bidders has been surfacing.
Sands Restaurant in Broughty Ferry has announced it secured A Pocketfu’ o’ Pieces, which it intends to share with Roxburghe House.
Staff and patients at the NHS Tayside house were delighted by the news, having been outbid in an attempt to buy their own.
Fiona Barnett, clinical coordinator in specialist palliative care at Roxburghe said: “This is a very kind and generous offer and we would be delighted to have A Pocket Fu’ o’ Pieces Oor Wullie come and spend a short holiday with us at Roxburghe House. I am sure he will bring a smile to the faces of the patients, families and staff who will make sure he enjoys his little break with us.”
Similarly, Higher Ground Health Care Partnership has announced their Oor Jolomo statue will be shared with other healthcare establishments in the local area.
Norman Sutherland, director, said: “It will pick people up and make a real difference. We’ll send him on a tour of places, especially where there might be people who weren’t able to get out and see him.”
However, the evening was tinged with sadness for staff and pupils at Dundee High School who lost out on their statue despite an impressive crowdfunding campaign.
Rector Dr John Halliday said it was a “fantastic, memorable evening” but added: “We would love to have High School Wullie return to us! As his Named Person I have a moral if not yet legal obligation to safeguard the welfare of all our pupils but he has completely disappeared and we fear he has been abducted.
“I need to know he is safe and, if possible, returned as soon as possible to where he belongs! We still don’t know where he’s gone as he was apparently tempted away by someone on the internet.”
Dr Halliday urged anyone with any information to get in touch, with a reward of a free school lunch up for grabs.
