Writer's words boost festive appeal as cash flows in to support charity's vision of hope

Published on Tuesday 9 December 2008 19:39

REBUS creator Ian Rankin has backed the Light Up Lives Christmas campaign to help the work of the Royal Blind in Scotland – and has thanked The Scotsman and its readers for supporting the appeal.

The Edinburgh-based writer, whose son is a pupil at the Royal Blind School, praised the "fantastic work" done by the charity.

Hundreds of Scotsman readers have already donated to the campaign, which is raising money for the Royal Blind School, Scottish Braille Press and Braeside House, which cares for visually impaired old people.

The author said: "As the parent of a child who attends the Royal Blind School, I am delighted The Scotsman has chosen the Royal Blind for its Christmas campaign. This charity does some fantastic work and deserves support and recognition."

Helen Forrest, marketing and fundraising manager for the charity, said the response from readers had been "overwhelming" since the campaign was launched less than a week ago.

"We have had 2,000 in donations – as well as pledges of support from businesses and fundraising organisations," she added.

The Scotsman has illustrated the charity's work, featuring the Paralympic silver medallist sprinter Libby Clegg, whose life changed when she came to the Royal Blind School in Newington, Edinburgh, aged 12. Readers were also introduced to current Royal Blind pupils Stefan Nelson and Christina Tytler, and to Archie Watt and his wife, Nan, who are cared for at Braeside House.

Ms Forrest said The Scotsman's support had given the charity a real boost, adding: "The Light Up Lives campaign is going really well. It's lifting everyone's spirits and within the charity it has brought a buzz of excitement. The donations are coming in and I would like to thank all The Scotsman readers who have given us a gift this Christmas.

"All charities are having to work extra hard at the moment because of the credit crunch, but the donations we have received will make a real impact. The Light Up Lives campaign has helped raise the profile of the charity and will help us continue our award-winning work."

As well as discovering their stories in The Scotsman, readers may have spotted Libby Clegg, Stefan Nelson and Archie Watt in advertisements on television, in cinemas and on posters on the side of buses.

The Edinburgh-based Royal Blind, which provides education, training and care for blind and visually impaired people from across Scotland, has a history stretching back more than 200 years, when it was one of the first places in the world to offer care for the blind. Although the school and the home receive funding from the Scottish Government and local authorities, the Royal Blind School needs to raise an additional 2,300 a day to help its 105 pupils. Braeside House needs an additional 1,000 a day to care for 70 residents.

Over the next three years, the charity wants to raise 6 million to redevelop the school, rebuild its swimming pool, improve accommodation and modernise the Scottish Braille Press.

Ms Forrest said: "All the donations we receive help us maintain our services – and make a difference to people's lives."

Mike Gilson, the editor of The Scotsman, said: "We are delighted readers are digging deep to help this worthy cause at such a tough time and hope the appeal continues to be a success."

Among those who have contacted the charity after reading stories in The Scotsman is the Rotary Club of Haddington, which has chosen Light Up Lives as the beneficiary of its St Valentine's Bonanza to be held next year.

Cinema-goers in Glasgow gave generously at special performances of Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa held at Cineworld, Renfrew Street.