An Inverness couple who have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for The Archie Foundation have been appointed as patrons of the charity in recognition of their commitment.
Solicitor Mary Nimmo and her husband William, a senior officer in Police Scotland’s Highlands division, have supported Archie’s work in the North of Scotland for the past seven years.
Mary was a member of the local fundraising committee before becoming a trustee, supporting projects such as improvements to the Birnie Centre clinic at Raigmore Hospital and the journey to theatre, creating colourful wall murals.
Mary and her colleague Jacqueline Brown also organise flagship events including the annual Prosecco Picnic and Moonlight Ball events at the Drumossie Hotel, which raised £30,000 and £104,000 for the charity last year.
The Archie Foundation supports babies, children and their families at the Highland Children’s Unit at Raigmore, providing both emotional and financial support at the time of need during a hospital stay.
The charity also supports families at the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and the Tayside Children’s Hospital at Ninewells in Dundee, as well as supporting youngsters who have suffered a bereavement, through Archie’s Child Bereavement Service.
Mary, the senior partner and head of dispute resolution at Munro & Noble Solicitors and Estate Agents in Inverness, said their network of friends, family and colleagues was key to continuing to raise funds.
“I have been a trustee of Archie for a number of years and I couldn’t do what I do without William’s support, so we are both honoured to have been asked to become patrons of The Archie Foundation. We look forward to continuing to raise awareness of the amazing work the charity does to support babies, children and their families,” she said.
Mary and William Nimmo, new patrons of The Archie Foundation
“I was coming to the end of my second three-year term as a trustee but still wanted to be involved in the charity. Becoming a patron has allowed me to continue contributing to the running of Archie as well as fundraising.
“We are so grateful for the incredible support from everyone who contributes to this cause. William and I have strong networks in the Highlands, but our fundraising would not be possible without the generosity and dedication of everyone who supports the events.
“Having a great network of people who are able to donate and bid on fantastic auction items has really helped us to raise funds and awareness,” she said.
“The events such as the Moonlight Ball and the Prosecco Picnic have grown over the years and now regularly attract large numbers of guests who enjoy a brilliant day or night out while raising amazing amounts of money, including more than £100,000 at last year’s ball – which was just staggering.”
As a police officer serving the Highlands, William is aware of the challenges of working in rural areas.
“We are very aware of the unique challenges of serving rural areas in the Highlands and Islands, as Archie does, and know the importance of having the support of volunteers in local communities to provide help at a very local level as well as fundraising,” he said.
“We would like to help to grow the events programme to benefit communities in the Highlands and Islands, as well as working closely with the NHS to identify key projects and funding improvements for facilities such as the Birnie Centre.”
“The calendar of events is so important - establishing fun events that people look forward to and ensuring they are successful year after year. The effort is rewarded by the impact we’re able to make for the families and children Archie supports,” he added.
Paula Cormack, chief executive of The Archie Foundation, congratulated Mary and William on their appointment as patrons.
She said: “We are incredibly grateful to both Mary and William for their continued support for Archie, particularly in the Highlands, and are delighted they have accepted the invitation to become patrons. We are indebted to them and their friends and contacts for their fundraising efforts, which have allowed us to expand our services and support many children and families.
“We rely on having dedicated ambassadors to help us spread the word about Archie and the support we offer to families when babies and children are in hospital to make a difficult time a little easier, whether that’s a few pounds for parking or a larger grant for specialist equipment.”
The Archie Foundation exists to transform experiences and outcomes in healthcare and bereavement for babies, children and families across North Scotland, including Inverness as well as Aberdeen, Elgin and Dundee.
The Archie Foundation’s vision is that all children in the region will have equal access to world-class healthcare and bereavement support, delivered in a child-appropriate environment and manner.
Visit www.archie.org/getsupport/ for more information about the practical, financial and emotional support available from The Archie Foundation.