Massed bands fundraiser to help Dylan's recovery
A MASS pipe and drums fundraiser is being held in Dornoch tomorrow (Saturday) to help with the rehabilitation of a Caithness boy badly injured in a road accident.
Dylan Davidson was knocked down by a car on his way home from school in the town last November.
The nine-year-old moved south with his parents, Jean and Kevin, just three years ago.
Tomorrow’s event, which takes place in The Square at 7.45pm, is being organised by Duncan Macdonald, drum major with Beauly Firth and Glens Pipe Band, and supported by Police Scotland.
Dylan’s recovery has touched one officer in particular.
Nine years ago, Jean and Kevin were on their way to Caithness General Hospital in Wick when they stopped Sergeant Peter Allan who was on a routine patrol on the A882 between Thurso and Wick.
Jean was in labour but was not going to make it to the hospital in time. Sgt Allan and Mr Davidson worked together to overcome last-minute complications and deliver a healthy baby boy, Dylan, at the roadside.
In an unlikely turn of events, last November, Sgt Allan was on duty in Dornoch when he attended a one-vehicle road traffic collision. As events unfolded, he realised the casualty involved was the same little boy he helped deliver almost a decade previously.
Jean and Kevin said: “We are extremely grateful for the assistance that was given by Sgt Allan and other officers in both these circumstances and to Duncan Macdonald for arranging this event. Dylan has made a brave recovery from his accident. We are looking forward to the pipe band event that has been kindly put together by members of the community and want to thank everyone in advance for their contributions towards Dylan’s treatment.”
Sgt Allan said: “Mr Macdonald has been playing in various bands for over 37 years and is also a camera operator for the Northern Camera Safety Partnership.
“Following discussions between Duncan and myself in relation to safety speed checks being completed near schools following Dylan’s accident, Mr Macdonald kindly offered to organise this event. I hope it will be well-supported and will further help Dylan and his family with his rehabilitation.”
Nine local pipe bands will come together to help raise funds and it is hoped around 200 pipers and drummers will be in attendance. Any other pipers or drummers are also welcome to attend.
The display will include piping, drumming and Highland dancing while various prizes are up for grabs in a raffle.