Renfrewshire man's boost for children's centre

RENFREWSHIRE MAN’S BOOST FOR CHILDREN’S CENTRE

Monday 2 November 2009

A Renfrewshire man has been fundraising in aid of a centre for children with developmental difficulties.

And now his efforts have been boosted with a £1,500 donation from First Group, the parent company of ScotRail where he works as a driver manager.

Billy, of Hillpark Avenue, Paisley, has been raising funds – along with colleagues – for the High Valleyfield Child Development Centre in Dunfermline.

Their efforts follow a campaign started by driver Craig Ireland after his daughter contracted meningitis.

The centre provides specialist resources for young children in the Dunfermline and West Fife area with complex needs, including sensory impairment, physical and behavioural difficulties.

A much needed upgrade of the centre’s sensory room is to be carried out – and the funds will go towards equipment.

Billy said: “The centre was a tremendous help to Craig’s daughter during her recovery and many ScotRail staff have taken part in activities such as walking the West Highland Way in appreciation of its work.”

He added: “It means a lot to be able to contribute to a facility that will help more children in a similar position in the future and I’m grateful to FirstGroup for their help.”

Pat Warren, a representative of High Valleyfield, said: “We delighted to have received such a substantial donation to help us upgrade our existing sensory room.

“It is an invaluable aid for the development of the children we support and the upgrade has been on the cards for some time. Thanks to FirstGroup, we can now go ahead with the project.”

Avril Gill, FirstGroup‘s Marketing Manager, Group Brand, commented: “The work carried out by the staff at High Valleyfield provides vital support to many children and their families. We are delighted to help.  We are often on the look out for opportunities to help worthy organisations like this one.”

Media enquiries
Carla Rinaldi, ScotRail Communications: 0141 335 5156 / carla.rinaldi@firstgroup.com
Iain Wilson, ScotRail Communications: 0141 335 4565 / iain.wilson@firstgroup.com