A man from Renfrew is holding a fundraising event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of his mum.
Tattoo Studio Owner, Andy Nicol is hoping to raise cash for Macmillan by hosting a full day of fundraising at Kraken Studios in Renfrew offering discounted tattoos, jewellery sales, and raffles with all proceeds going to the charity.
Andy said: “We wanted to do something to raise money and say thank you for the selfless and often unheralded work Macmillan carries out on a daily basis. Not only for the patients, but for the care of the families and friends as well.”
As well as all the activities on the day, Kraken Studios have been selling off original art work and receiving donations from friends family and the community in advance of their event on the 22nd of September via Just Giving. Andy promised to brave the shave if the total reached 4 figures on the day and with that target already met his long hair will also be going on the day.
Photo: Aly Macrae
Earlier this year, Kraken Studios’ co-founder and mum to Andy, Aly Macrae sadly passed away after several battles with cancer. Aly was the adopted “studio mother” for all the Kraken Studios staff and a recognisable and much loved figure in the community.
After overcoming bowel cancer in 2016 Aly and family were later given the devastating news that her cancer had returned and this time there was no cure. For the months following her terminal diagnosis Aly and her family received support from many of the charities operating from The Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow including Macmillan Cancer Support.
Macmillan raises funds and awareness to support people affected by cancer in local communities and across the UK. The money raised from Kraken Studios event will go towards ensuring people affected by cancer have access to the essential medical, practical, emotional and financial support they need throughout their cancer journey.
The money raised will be used to help fund Macmillan’s vital cancer services for residents of Renfrewshire including specialist nurses working throughout the NHS, a nurse-run support line and grants for cancer patients with money problems.
Photo: Andy Nicol
Last year Macmillan paid out £85,000 in grants to residents of Renfrewshire. Macmillan awards grants to support cancer patients meet a variety of needs. Extra costs which people affected by cancer incur include increased heating and water bills, increased travel costs to and from hospital and a change in dietary or clothing requirements. There are often also extra household items that need to be purchased as a direct result of cancer such as liquidisers, wheelchairs and stair lifts, which, in many cases are not budgeted for. Macmillan grants are awarded for all these immediate practical needs as well as to help support people to fund a much needed break with loved ones.
Macmillan Fundraising Manager for West of Scotland Cara Inglis said: “It’s Macmillan’s ambition to reach and improve the lives of everyone living with cancer and we can’t do that without the amazing people who fundraise for us. I would like to thank Andy and the Kraken Studios Team for organising such a fantastic event. What a brilliant way to raise funds and we hope this will inspire many other people to get involved and support Macmillan.”
The event will be taking place on Saturday 22nd September at Kraken Studios, Renfrew and Andy is hoping that as many people as possible will get involved and show their support. To support Andy or find out more about the event email krakenscotland@gmail.com. If you can’t go along on the day but would like to support the team at Kraken Studios you can make a donation at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/krakencharity.
Macmillan’s fundraising manager Cara Inglis added: ‘If Kraken Studios event isn’t for you, there are plenty of other things you can do to support people affected by cancer in your local community. Why not hold a Race Night or Bake Sale? There are lots of wacky and wonderful ways to get involved and by signing up to hold your own event for Macmillan you’ll be making a big difference to the lives of people affected by cancer.”
For information on fundraising and holding your own event for Macmillan call 0300 1000 200 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk/