Kieran Beattie
An Aberdeen woman is planning a special day of prosecco, afternoon tea and cocktails to raise funds for a north-east cancer charity in memory of her mother.
Lauren Strachan, 28, will hold a Ladies Day fundraiser this weekend for Clan Cancer Support at their facility on Westburn Road.
Miss Strachan’s mother, Lorraine, died of bowel cancer in 2001 at the age of 34, when Lauren was just 12.
Now, with the full support of her family and friends, Miss Strachan aims to celebrate the life of her mum on what would have been her 50th birthday on September 11.
She revealed she wanted to raise funds for Clan because of the support, guidance and help the charity provided her and her family throughout her mother’s tragic illness, right up to the present day.
Miss Strachan said: “With mum’s 50th birthday coming up, I was looking for a way to mark the occasion and celebrate what would have been a special day surrounded by family and friends.
“Clan have done a lot for me and my family over the past 16 years, and it just seemed right to honour the special occasion on Clan’s behalf and to hold the fundraising event at Clan House.
“The support I’ve had from family, friends, local businesses and members of the public has been fantastic so far and really helped create a feeling of positivity around a sad and difficult time.
“Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to have the support network that my family and I have had, so the work of charities like Clan is very important.
“I am delighted to be supporting Clan with this event, and I can’t wait to invite guests to an afternoon of cocktails and glamour.”
Susan Crighton, a fundraising manager at Clan, said: “We would like to thank Lauren for selecting Clan as the beneficiary for her Ladies Day fundraiser.
“She has turned a hugely difficult experience for her and her family into such a positive, which takes a tremendous amount of strength.
“We are looking forward to hosting such a special event at Clan House and would encourage anyone who might be able to help the event in any way to get in touch, as Lauren’s hard work continues in the final run-up to the event.
“The enthusiasm and commitment she and her family have shown towards Clan is inspiring and we are sure the event will be a huge success.
“All of these efforts are hugely appreciated for what will be a truly special day for Lauren, her family and friends to remember her mother.”
Anyone can come along to Miss Strachan’s fundraiser, where they will be able to enjoy refreshments, a light lunch, cocktails and live performances by Aberdeen singer-songwriter Lewis Fraser.
Tickets for the event cost £20, with all funds raised going directly to Clan’s support services.
Those interested in attending or who would like to donate to the event are asked to email Lauren Strachan on laurenstrachan88@gmail.com