Devastated mum holds charity night in memory of Logan

Jun 30 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A WOMAN – devastated after her baby was stillborn – is holding a charity night in her son’s memory.

Marlene Graham, of Larkhall, was heartbroken when her son Logan was stillborn on February 17 at 38 weeks.

Now Marlene will hold a charity night in The Den Nightclub in East Kilbride, Olympia Centre, on Friday, July 8, to raise cash for Yorkhill Hospital’s family house and support group.

She was 17 weeks pregnant when she received a bombshell letter to say she was high risk of having a baby with the life threatening genetic condition Edwards Syndrome which affects brain development, the heart and digestive system. Approximately one in every 3000 children born throughout the world are affected but only 1 in 6000 are live births.

After weeks of soul-searching Marlene decided to continue with her pregnancy.

Marlene said: “I'm thankful for the time I did get with Logan and proud to say his story has touched many people.

“SOFT UK (Support Organisation For Trisomy) have provided me with a great deal of support and information.

“As a thank you I want to raise as much awareness and funds as possible for SOFT.

“I raised £400 by doing a sponsored slim over 13 weeks, losing 19lbs, and a group of 14 of us are white water rafting on June 19 in Perthshire.

“I was surprised to find out recently that Ronald McDonald House Yorkhill is run by a small independent charity who don't receive money from the government, NHS, Ronald McDonald House Charities or the Yorkhill Childrens Foundation.

“They provide free accommodation to over 600 families from all over Scotland each year whilst children are patients in Yorkhill Hospital.”

The event will take place at the nightclub from 8:30pm.

There will be live music from covers band Rock Gods, a DJ until late, a raffle and auction. Tickets are £7 and can be bought in advance or on the door.

Donations of raffle prizes and auction items are required to help generate funds.

A minibus may be available to and from East Kilbride.

To buy a ticket or for more information, contact Marlene on 07713351973 or email mw_gr@yahoo.co.uk.