Orkney newborn inspires over £22k in donations for Ronald McDonald House

A fundraiser inspired by the plight of an Orkney newborn, who was flown to Glasgow for lifesaving surgery, has raised over £22,0000.

In February, Deerness couple Kevin Foulis and Jacqui Smith found themselves hundreds of miles from home when their baby boy Ronnie was diagnosed with a heart condition.

Since then, they have been receiving support from Ronald McDonald House Glasgow, which provided them with a “home from home” when they felt at their most vulnerable, allowing them to remain by Ronnie’s side as he continues treatment.

The charity, which provides accommodation the parents of children receiving hospital care in Glasgow, helped six Orkney families in the last year alone.

Soon, those close to the couple rallied — particularly those living on Jacqui’s home island — to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House.

What began as a coffee afternoon in Stronsay soon became a countywide philanthropic phenomenon, with efforts by a individuals and organisations across Orkney resulting in skyrocketing donations.

This Thursday, the final total was announced — with a whopping £22,124.99 having been raised for the charity.

See this week’s edition of The Orcadian for a report from the Stronsay event, and next week’s for further coverage of this tremendous show of community spirit.