Media
Press Releases
2009
Friday 27 March 2009
Charity Challenges Credit Crunch
Bucking the trend, Epilepsy Scotland’s glittering 2009 Edinburgh Wag of Wags gala event raised even more money than in March 2008. Over 250 guests at the Balmoral Hotel decided to spend, spend, spend and contribute £42,000 to the national charity’s work and services.
Five of the best speakers from previous Wags dinners had the crowd in stitches. Stand up comedienne Janey Godley was voted winning Wag and fellow speakers including Eric Davidson, John Htet-Khin, Rod MacCowan and Alan Rough came a close second. Radio Forth DJ Grant Stott hosted the grand auction and relished the opportunity to help people part with their money for this very worthwhile cause.
Among the many VIP guests attending were five MSPs from the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group for Epilepsy and Magnus and Baroness Linklater.
Chief Executive Lesslie Young remarked: “Given the economic climate no-one least of all me expected the evening to raise this sum. It’s wonderful. It goes to show how generous the public can be when they understand the impact epilepsy has on people and their families. Our Wags winner Janey Godley shared how members of her family are affected by this common condition. Every penny of the money raised will go to help the 40,000 people in Scotland living with epilepsy. My thanks to everyone involved in making this event such a success.’’
Ends
Notes to editor
- Epilepsy Scotland works with people living with epilepsy to ensure that their voice is heard. We campaign for improved healthcare, better information provision and an end to stigma. This common serious neurological condition affects one in 130 people.
- We represent nearly 40,000 people with epilepsy in Scotland, their families and carers. Our freephone Helpline (0808 800 2200) offers advice, support and information. People can email (enquiries@epilepsyscotland.org.uk), text 07786 209501, or download information from our website: www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk
- 3. This is the sixth Edinburgh Wags fundraising dinner held by Epilepsy Scotland. A Wag is a witty speaker. The 12th Glasgow Wags dinner will be on 23 April 2009 in the Marriot Hotel, Argyle Street. Guest speakers include
Bert Thomson, Sandy Strang, Hugh Brown, Bruce Fummey and Brian Donald. - For more details please contact: Allana Parker, Communications Manager on: 0141 419 1701 or 07884 012 147.