Research into a disease that is particularly prevalent in the North-east has received a boost – thanks to the big-hearted family and friends of an Aberdeenshire couple.
Revellers at a party to celebrate the 50th birthday of John Will dipped into their pockets and raised £1,000 for Multiple Sclerosis research taking place at the University of Aberdeen.
When John, his wife Ethel and their 13-year-old daughter Bonita began planning the big birthday party, John decided a financial donation instead of presents from partygoers should be the order of the night.
John, a builder from Auchnagatt, said: “We wanted to raise money for a good cause and decided to give to MS research at the University of Aberdeen as a lot of people in the North-east have the disease.”
And the 100-odd guests at the party at the local hotel were only too happy to oblige.
Said Ethel: “We are just so grateful that our friends and family were so generous.”
John added: “We are overwhelmed by the donations which we even received from people who weren’t able to come on the night. We just want to thank everyone who gave a contribution and who helped make it such a fantastic night!”
Dr Mark Vickers, a doctor investigating the link between multiple sclerosis and the Epstein-Barr (glandular fever) virus at the University of Aberdeen, said: “It is really beginning to look as though this virus is important in causing the disease.
“Donations like this make a real difference to our work. Together, I hope we can make a difference.“