A north-east couple who toasted their 50th wedding anniversary with a party have raised £1,400 in honour of their late granddaughter.
Bob and Christine Beagrie celebrated their golden anniversary surrounded by friends and family, and asked them to make a donation to the Archie Foundation in lieu of gifts.
The couple, of Peterhead, chose the charity in memory of their granddaughter Laura, who died at the age of eight in 2001.
They have asked for the money to be used to support the oncology ward at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.
Last night Mr Beagrie, 69, said: “Our grandchild Laura passed away in 2001 – she died of cancer when she was eight.
“We thought rather than go on holiday, or receive presents, we thought maybe we should try and raise some money to help fight childhood cancer.
“Laura was first in Yorkhill, and then at Aberdeen so we asked Archie that the money be spent there.”
Mr Beagrie, who grew up in Longside, first met his future wife, who was born in Peterhead, at a evening dance.
They thought it fitting then that they should celebrate 50 years of marriage by remembering how it all started and organised an event in Lonmay.
“We first met at dances, there were a lot of them in the 60s for teenagers. So we wanted to have a dance, and we wanted to get our family together.”
Mr Beagrie and his wife, 68, invited 100 of their friends and family to hear local band Garioch Blend play at the Ban-car Hotel.
He said he was astounded at “just how generous” the guests were – helping them smash their target of £700.
“We really appreciate what they donated, and we’re in the process of sending out thank you cards,” he added.
Mr and Mrs Beagrie have two sons and a daughter as well as four grandchildren.
Laura, who would have been 21 this year, was the eldest of their grandchildren.
Tonight and tomorrow, an art exhibition will be held in the Wood Group headquarters in Trafalgar House, Altens, Aberdeen to further boost funds for the charity.