A pair of 11-year-old fundraising heroes have been left overwhelmed by the kindness of their local community.
Helen Steel and Ruby Stewart raised more than £1,500 by holding a coffee morning in Newtyle Legion Hall in support of the charities linked to Motor Neurone Disease and the rare genetic condition Bardet-Biedl Syndrome.
The money raised will be split between the My Name5 Doddie Foundation and Bardet-Biedl Syndrome UK.
Helen said: “The coffee morning was a great success.
“It was very well supported and there was a great atmosphere in the hall.
“We have been overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity of friends, family and the people of our wonderful community.”
The girls grew up in Newtyle and both go to Alyth Guides and decided they wanted to do something for the charities.
Alyth Primary pupil Helen chose the foundation established by former Scottish rugby internationalist Doddie Weir after losing her grandfather to motor neurone disease.
Dundee High youngster Ruby decided to do something for Bardet-Biedl Syndrome UK because of a family friendship with Kirriemuir couple Liam and Ashley Wilkie whose daughter Caitlin is affected by the disorder.
Ruby said: “Special thanks to those who helped make it all happen.
“So far we have raised over £1,500 and donations are still coming in. This will be split equally between My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and BBS UK.”
The My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has received incredible backing since the popular sportsman revealed his MND diagnosis in June 2017.
Although a much rare condition, Bardet-Biedl Syndrome received greater awareness thanks to the Wilkie family and Angus fundraisers who have supported their fundraising effoets.
Caitlin, who was born with the condition, is likely to lead to the loss of her sight by the time she is a teenager.
Last year, having setting a £5,000 target for BBS UK, the couple were described as an “inspiration” after raising more than £20,000 for the charity.
Helen’s mum Jill said: “We are so very proud of the girls.
“They have worked hard for the last few weeks planning the event.”
Helen and Ruby did everything to organise the event including sending out letters to local businesses to get raffle prizes.
They also made the posters for the coffee morning and were also doing some baking and also came up with other ideas including table decorations.
