Charity picks up pieces after storm

Dec 23 2011 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A CHILDREN’S charity has been left picking up the pieces after one of the worst storms in decades.

Bikes, toys, musical instruments – and even a giant dolphin – were among the casualties at Prestwick’s Malcolm Sargent House.

Now the cancer charity has been left with a £10,000 clean up bill from the storm which battered Ayrshire two weeks ago.

And they’re hoping big hearted donations can help provide for a packed house of children this Christmas.

The charity’s fundraising chief, May Gilchrist, revealed: “In all my years at the house, I’ve never seen storm damage like it.

“Because of our position on the beach, we always tend to get hit pretty hard, but we’ve never suffered anything like this.

“The wind has ripped through our musical garden, which was hugely popular with the children, and left large parts completely ruined.

“Things like the football goalposts and house sign have also been damaged, a fence was torn down, and even our giant dolphin blew away.

“But worst of all was the shed which housed a lot of our toys was completely destroyed.

“It contained things like bikes and toys, but the wind quickly saw to all of that.”

The house is now gearing up for a busy Christmas Day with Santa dropping in and a full compliment of children ready to celebrate.

May added: “It was such a shame that the storm happened when it did as the timing couldn’t have been worse.

“But we’ll still have a fabulous time this week and everyone can’t wait for Santa.

“Then the following day is our annual Boxing Day Dip, which is a real highlight for everyone at the house and this year looks like being another fantastic event.”

Anyone interested in donating unwanted toys and gifts to the house should contact them on 01292 692113.

And for the Boxing Day Dip, which kicks off at 2pm, registration takes place between 12-1pm.

To find out more, once again contact 01292 692113.