Fun day in memory of Wick baby Texas McBeath will raise money for the Scottish Cot Death Trust
A special charity fun day is being held at the Country Spa next month to raise money for the Scottish Cot Death Trust in memory of Texas McBeath.
Emma MacDonald, of Wick, has been fundraising for the trust since losing her baby daughter Texas in April 2015. So far she has raised around £12,000 in memory of Texas.
Emma had only met local beautician Katrina Sutherland on a couple of occasions and was overwhelmed when she offered to do a fun day in aid of the trust at her salon at Seabreeze, Occumster, on Wednesday, July 6, from 12 noon to 6pm.
"I have never had someone be so generous before," the local mum said. "It is hopefully going to be a really, really good day and make lots of money and remind me of Texas."
Emma explained: "Texas was nearly eight-weeks-old when she died of cot death. Obviously it was devastating at the time. We obviously do not know to this day what causes cot death. There is no reason why our daughter died."
The trust gave lots of help to Emma and her partner Craig McBeath at the time, providing invaluable support along with counselling. They were also given CPR training and apnea monitors when their daughters, Dakota (5) and Meghan (3), were born. The couple also have a son Dylan (10).
Emma is now being put through a befriending course so she can help other families locally.
"All monies we raise go directly to families, helping them like they helped us," she pointed out. Emma said all the fundraising helps keep the memory of Texas alive and keeps her focused.
Katrina said: "When Emma talked about her experience I just thought it was a really worthy charity."
Other therapists will be joining Katrina and Keira Anderson at the Country Spa on the day offering discounted treatments, with all the money raised going to the trust.
Among those taking part will be Ashlyn Sinclair who runs Timeless Beauty in Haster, Lisa Valentine-McLellan, from LVM Body Alignment and Movement Therapies, Dornoch and Wick, along with Lynsey Bremner from Steadfast, an alternative and holistic health service.
Katrina said: "We are hoping to have a good turnout. It does not matter if people have not been here before. And don't feel you can't come unless you're having a treatment, everyone is welcome – pop along for a coffee and a chat. It'll be a great day out."
As it during the school holidays they will be catering for children with plans for a bouncy castle, face painting and a lucky dip. The event features a huge raffle with some amazing prizes, including a 43" smart TV. A bottle stall will also be part of the fun and baking will be available.
Every nine days in Scotland a baby or child will die suddenly and unexpectedly – many of their families will never know why they died. As the only charity in Scotland dedicated to the issue of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI), the trust provides support, education resources and funds research.
