A pair of big-hearted north-east pals are hosting a series of fundraising events to raise money and awareness for a trio of causes close to their hearts.
Frances Mackie, 47, of Inverurie, and Lisa Brown, 25, of Turriff, will be launching their year of charity events on May 2 with a cake and sweets fun day in Mrs Mackie’s garden at 10A Constitution Street.
The duo will then host a sponsored slim and a walk from Inverurie to Insch in August to raise funds for the Lymphoma Association, the Brain Tumour Charity and Logan’s fund, which aims to provide care for people with neuroblastoma.
Their chosen charities have special significance for the pair as family members or friends have died or are fighting each of the three conditions.
Mrs Mackie said: “I used to live in Lossiemouth and was friends with the parents of Logan Main.
“Ten months prior to his death Logan had been diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, a very aggressive cancer most commonly diagnosed in infants.
“Logan unfortunately died in June 2009 when he was only three.
“We’re also raising for the Lymphoma Association because my ex-husband Alan was diagnosed with lymphoma of the stomach in February.
“Although we’re separated, we’re still really close so we want to do all we can to help him.
“The last charity is the Brain Tumour charity because sadly Lisa’s dad passed last year from a brain tumour after going into remission with his lung cancer.”
Mrs Mackie and Mrs Brown first became friends when working at Inverurie’s Gordon Highlander pub in 2011.
Mrs Mackie has been involved with Logan’s Trust since it’s foundation in late 2008.
Miss Brown, who is currently on maternity leave after the recent birth of her daughter Marnie, said: “Fran has been really active in charities for so long and I felt like I wanted to do
something as well.
“We’re trying to raise as much as possible for these charities.”
To support them visit: https:www.facebook.com/groups/665471320246213.