Cairngorm Group supports children at Maggie’s Highland in memory of mum-of-three who died of cancer
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Children with a "significant someone" in their family with cancer are to benefit from a poignant donation to Maggie's Highland by a charitable fund.
Jennifer’s Fund was established last year by co-directors of Highland company, the Cairngorm Group, Chris and Scott Dowling and their father David, in memory of their sister, and daughter, Jennifer McBurnie.
A mother to three school-aged children, she was diagnosed with cancer in February 2021 and lost her life to the disease in July that same year. She was 42.
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Jennifer’s Fund aims to distribute a minimum of £10,000 to local good causes every year to keep Jennifer’s name and memory alive and to support causes that were close to her heart.
Chris, who handed over a cheque for more than £900 to Maggie’s Highland cancer centre, said he felt this was the most meaningful donation they have made so far.
Having taken time to visit the centre in the grounds of Raigmore Hospital and meet centre manager Seonaid Green and fundraiser Claire Davies, he paid tribute to its work.
"I’ve driven past this building countless times over the 18 or 19 years that it has been open, and never really given much thought to what happens inside," he said.
"To understand just how many people the charity supports every year, and that they support not just the person with the diagnosis, but their family too, is just incredible.
"Jennifer left behind three young children and a husband when she died, as well as the rest of us in the wider family, of course.
"Knowing that the money we have donated today will help support children who will be going through what her kids faced, is a real comfort to us."
Centre manager Seonaid Green outlined how the donation would help the children's support group.
"We run our seven-week programme for children twice a year, often using art materials and metaphor as a less direct way of helping children talk about things that might be scary," she said.
"The children love being around other children who are going through a similar thing, they feel they are not the only ones with a parent with cancer.
"Often they say things in groups that they feel they can’t say to their parents, but once they’ve talked it over with us, it feels easier to share their feelings at home.
"This donation will help us to repeat the course for more children whose lives are impacted by a family member with cancer."
Maggie’s Highland will have around 18,000 contacts with people with cancer this year, from across the Highlands and Islands and Argyll.
Some will simply drop in either side of a Raigmore oncology appointment, others will book appointments, or take part in group or online sessions.
Funding comes largely from the private sector and communities, and there is an emphasis on helping patients to become people again, regaining control, finding hope, and finding joy and living well in whatever time they have left.
Jennifer’s Fund gives grants of up to £1000 to charities and organisations that help make happy, positive memories for children, young people, the elderly, and unsupported individuals.
Grant applications can be made at Cairngormgroup.co.uk/jennifersfund.
