Ayr mum smashes fundraising target

Dec 30 2011 by Jennifer Buchanan, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

SHE battled a brain tumour and won.

And now determined Vivienne McBeth has smashed her fundraising total for a charity who research the cancer.

Back in 2005, mum-of-one Vivienne discovered she had a tumour the size of a golf ball in her brain.

She had to endure a three-hour operation and six weeks of radiotherapy to remove the cancerous lump.

And while she’ll never have the all clear, Vivienne was determined not to become a victim.

Vivienne has run the Race for Life every year since her diagnosis.

But it was in the kitchen that the 39-year-old found she could truly relax.

And that inspired Vivienne on her next fundraising challenge, a cook book.

Vivienne even roped in some celebs to hand over their favourite recipes.

The book, named Viv’s Kitchen, was launched in August and the Prestwick mum was determined to raise £5000 for Brain Tumour UK.

Little could she have known she would smash that target easily.

Vivienne explained: “The original print run of 500 copies sold out within four weeks.

“I was overwhelmed with the response to the book and the support to help raise brain tumour awareness.

“I got a generous donation from a print company in Glasgow, who asked to remain anonymous, of an additional 200 books.

“This allowed me to smash my original target.

“These books also sold quickly with 100 of them being kindly purchased by Munro Partnership Ltd in Ayr for Christmas gifts.”

Vivienne raised a grand total of £7315 and presented the cheque to Brain Tumour UK’s Scottish Coordinator, Gus Ironside.

Gus said: “Brain Tumour UK is delighted to receive this very generous donation towards our work in Scotland and throughout the UK.

“We are very grateful to Viv for all her hard work, creativity and commitment.”

Vivienne added: “I would like to give a huge thanks to everyone who bought a copy and helped make it a success.

“To say I am happy is an understatement.”

Hardworking Vivienne is now planning a Silver Ribbon Ball to be held on Friday, April 13 at the Carlton Hotel in Prestwick to raise even more cash for Brain Tumour UK.

Tickets are on sale now at www.silverribbonball.co.uk or by contacting Vivienne on 01292 479614.