ONE MILLION MILESTONE

Congratulations to childhood cancer charity LoveOliver for raising £1 million in the 10 years since it was established by local couple Andy and Jennifer Gill, in memory of their son Oliver.

I've submitted an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons congratulating LoveOliver “on reaching the magnificent milestone of raising £1 million in their first 10 years as a registered charity” and thanking the couple for their “hard work and dedication in making positive change out of one of the most difficult experiences a parent can face”.

The parliamentary motion goes on to recognise the contribution of volunteers and fundraisers, celebrate the charity’s recent opening of its first charity shop in Glenrothes town centre, and remember Oliver, “whose tragic and untimely death brought about such a positive response which has gone on to benefit the lives of so many children and their families who are going through the hardships caused by childhood cancer.”

It is fitting that LoveOliver has reached this important fundraising milestone during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which falls in September each year.

I have known Jennifer and Andy for a number of years now and never fail to be impressed by their commitment and dedication to helping families who find themselves in the worst of circumstances due to childhood cancer.

Not only does the charity provide practical support to families thanks to the fundraising efforts of its supporters, but it also funds vital research into future treatments for children with cancer. I’m proud to have such an amazing charity in my constituency.

Jennifer commented:

“It has been great to welcome Peter into our new shop both on opening day and to see our Glow Gold September window display featuring 38 of the beautiful babies, children and teenagers we have come to know and love over the years. Every three days in the UK as many children and young people as this again are diagnosed with cancer - and this is why we must keep funding vital research into finding gentler treatments and cures.

“It means so much to know our local MP is so behind us. We don’t do this for the recognition, we just set out to do something in response to what happened to us. Thank you to our amazing supporters who have helped LoveOliver reach this milestone and continue to fund research and support families affected by childhood cancer.”