Yoga fundraiser in Nethy Bridge is chanting for CHAS
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The Dell of Abernethy is set to host an event put together by Grantonian Fiona Hunter, who 30 years ago helped put together CHAS - the charity which provides support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families in Scotland.
“We want to spread the word to people throughout Badenoch and Strathspey about the vital work the charity is doing,” explained Fiona this week.
It all happens on Sunday at the popular Nethy venue.
“During the afternoon everyone will have the chance to har about and try some yoga-related methods of managing stress - no mats! - from Katie White and Carrie Wilde, two local yoga teachers.”
Fiona will share her experience of involvement with CHAS - Children’s Hospices Across Scotland - and Grace Dennison White, who lives in Newtonmore will talk about how CHAS is offering some essential support and respite for her, her husband and four-year-old Evelyn.
“All the people involved on Sunday will be kindly donating their time and so the £22 ticket price all goes to CHAS. “
Tickets available on Eventbrite.
“We do hope everyone can make it along to support us all.”
The significance of the charity’s work was illustrated this week by Grace, who told the Strathy: “CHAS has supported us with both at-home carers and respite stays at their hospice in Kinross.
“Due to Evelyn’s complex medical needs, she requires around the clock care.
“This can very easily lead to burnout as a parent carer.
“Time at the hospice allows me to just be mum again, as well as giving me time to rest and get on top of my own life.”
She added: “The at home carers give us some much needed time to make phone calls, get outside or even just sit in a coffee shop for a bit.They are also the best listeners and have a wealth of knowledge and experience to point us in the right direction for something.
“At present, there are no other respite centres in the Highlands taking children, which is putting a huge strain on families like ours.
“We are so grateful for CHAS and all they do to support our family.”
Such help is in the CHAS founder’s DNA. Fiona explained: “I was brought up in Grantown where my parents were both GP’s
“ it was when I was working as a social worker in Edinburgh in the 1990s that I became aware of the total lack of support for children with life limiting conditions and their families in Scotland.
“I worked in 1992 with group of parents and professionals to set CHAS up.
“There are 15,000 children with life-limiting conditions in Scotland and no-one should face the death of their child alone.We aim to help children and their families to make the most of their time together.”
