Mark Wright Centre campaign raises £40k in six weeks

Donations have flooded in since we reported that Bob and Jem Wright, who run the centre in memory of their son, Corporal Mark Wright, were considering selling his medals to keep it open.

The Evening News is supporting their campaign to secure government funding for the centre in Dalkeith, which provides social, emotional and practical support to military veterans.

This week the campaign received a 2000 boost from three members of staff at Torness Power Station, who were sponsored to cycle from the station to Edinburgh.

Insulation supervisor Edwin Wright, a long-time friend of Bob Wright, kicked off the fundraising by deciding to seek sponsorship for riding home from work - a distance of around 35 miles.

Mr Wright, 51, said: "It was just an idea, and I asked a couple of guys who cycle a lot for suggestions for routes, and in the end they did it with me."

His colleagues, Kenny McNeill and Davy Lees, accompanied Mr Wright all the way to The Grange for the ride and then turned round and rode back to their homes in Dunbar.

Other colleagues and friends offered their support by making generous donations.

Mr Wright said: "Things just escalated. There's a big workforce down here and I work with contractors, and they've been brilliant. It's actually touched a lot of people down here because it's close to home."

Bob Wright said he had been overwhelmed by the support in recent weeks, and said of the cyclists' donation: "We're over the moon. I thought it would be maybe 100, but to get 2000 is amazing."

The centre will also get a boost today when it receives 10,000 from the Braes Social Club in Falkirk. As the News reported last week, members are in the process of winding up the club and making donations to charity with some of their funds.

The donation will bring the total donated since mid- January to 38,815.

Still to be presented is 680 raised by Gilmerton Bowling Club, and coffers will be boosted further by forces radio station Garrison FM, which is holding a quiz night tomorrow.

The quiz at Dreghorn Barracks is open to all, with teams of up to five, and a 10 charge per team. For more information, call 0131-310 2898.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Donate directly to:

The Mark Wright Project, Bank of Scotland

Sort Code: 80 06 29. Account: 06006467

Send cheques, made out to The Mark Wright Project, to: Andrew Brash (Treasurer), The Mark Wright Project, 40/8 Hardengreen Business Park, Dalhousie Road, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 3NX

Visit www.justgiving.com/markwrightproject

For details of how to gift aid your contribution or to donate via payroll giving, see www.themarkwright project.org.uk/donating