Tribute night in memory of Emma Goodman

Aug 28 2009 by John Hutcheson, Hamilton Advertiser

A TRIBUTE night is being held in the memory of a Larkhall teenager who died from Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Emma Berry Goodman was the youngest person in Britain to suffer the illness which claimed the life of Celtic footballing legend Jimmy Johnstone.

The Larkhall Academy pupil was aged 17 years when she died at her home in Pentland Crescent, Merryton, last September.

She lived there with her mum Elaine, step-dad Ross, sister Sarah, who was 13, and brother Conner who was nine at the time of her death.

Now one of her closest friends has organised a charity memorial night at Larkhall Leisure Centre.

Simon Corbett (18), who works as an administrator at NHS Glasgow, is hoping to coin in cash for Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association in tribute to Emma.

He has sold about 60 of the 200 tickets for the event on Friday, August 28, at 7.30pm.

He said: “We are just hoping the event will be a sell-out. Anyone who knew Emma is welcome to come along. It is also open to people who didn’t know her but would like to attend the evening.”

The fun-packed night will include a DJ, disco, quiz, raffle, auctions, tombola and a bar.

Members of MND Scotland will attend and will give a five-minute presentation before the evening’s entertainment.

Simon, a former Academy and Glengowan Primary School pupil, added: “My mum and dad and Emma’s mum and dad were close friends and I was close friends with Emma.

“Emma was a special girl. She was outgoing, lively and easy to talk to.

“I just want to raise the money so that it can help other people who have MND.”

Simon’s mum Ian and Alison wanted Emma’s life marked and arranged for a memory cup, The Braveheart Cup, to be awarded each year to an Academy pupil who excels in art. Anyone who would like to buy a ticket, each costing £5, should contact Simon, telephone 07833 449401.