Scotland’s only specialist neurological centre has received the “best possible Christmas news” with a sizeable donation towards a £3.9 million expansion of its Aberdeen home.
Local businessman Ian Suttie and his wife, Dorothy, have gifted the charity a sizeable sum – believed to be in the region of half a million pounds – to Sue Ryder Dee View Court.
The couple’s generosity propels the organisation to within touching distance of achieving its target.
Delighted officials said yesterday the money will ensure the Kincorth-based centre is equipped with a wide range of new facilities to help support the delivery of expert care and rehabilitation to people living with a range of neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s, multiple sclerosis and acquired brain injuries.
In June, 2017, Dee View Court launched its capital appeal to raise £3.9 million to extend the centre and provide care for an additional twenty people.
This latest cash injection has moves charity towards the finish line, with £250,000 outstanding.
the charity hopes to raise that sum at an upcoming challenge event, the Adrenaline Drop, and a fundraising rugby dinner attended by Scottish international legends past and present.
Mr and Mrs Suttie said: “As Aberdonians, it is a pleasure to be able to make such a donation, knowing that our contribution will help with the delivery of specialist care to people in our community, and across Scotland, who are living with life-changing neurological conditions or acquired brain injuries.”
Valerie Maxwell, the centre’s director said; “We are absolutely delighted that in this, the season of goodwill, the Sutties have made such a generous contribution to the Dee View Court appeal.
“This donation is the best possible Christmas news and will play a vital role in supporting the work of the centre and helping us provide expert care to people with neurological conditions and acquired brain injury.
“I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the Sutties. This money will help create the best environment for clients to thrive in their everyday lives, in their therapy sessions and social activities.”
The expansion will allow another 20 people to join the existing 24 residents and benefit from the round-the-clock care provided by the specialist nurses and other staff at the centre.
It will also create more than 70 new jobs.
Trevor Garlick, Dee View Court’s charity appeal chairman, told the Press and Journal he was grateful for the response to the appeal.
He said: “I am really proud of the extension and the whole team at Dee View Court.
“The passion of the local community for the neurological care centre is hugely evident in the support they have given in the past couple of years.
“The scaffolding is now down and the team has started the fit-out of the rooms and apartments.
“All the rooms are designed with hi-tech hoists and specially designed beds and importantly, wheelchair access to the gardens.”
Several new residents will move into the centre in the coming weeks.
Further information about the charity, centre and campaign is available by emailing deeview.appeal@sueryder.org.