Scottish singer and former X-Factor hopeful Nicholas McDonald has vowed to help those with spina bifida in honour of his aunt who sadly passed away from the condition.
Spina bifida is a fault in the spinal column in which one or more vertebrae do not form properly, causing damage to the nervous system.
It is a lifelong condition, which affects around 1 in every 1000 pregnancies in Scotland and can lead to weakness or total paralysis of the legs.
Nicholas (22), from Wishaw, is due to perform at the annual Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBH Scotland) Ladies Who Give an F* event, being held on Sunday 2 June Marriott Hotel, Glasgow.
He was runner-up in the 2013 series, being beaten in the final by Sam Bailey.
Nicholas said: ‘My aunt Yvonne was born with spina bifida and sadly passed away. She was a very inspirational woman, who brought so much joy to the people around her.
‘I wanted to use my profile to help others affected by the conditions and contacted SBH Scotland to explore ways I could be involved. Luckily, I was able to combine my passion for singing with my mission to raise awareness of the condition.
‘It is a cause that is very close to my heart and it is important to me that I do my best to spread the message and give back to an organisation which has helped so many people cope.’
Now in its 13th year, the event is expected to attract over 300 women who will enjoy an afternoon of fun, games, good food and dancing.
The annual lunch was created as part of SBH Scotland’s Honorary Patron Gordon Ramsay’s appeal where F stands for Fundraising. It will be hosted by TV celebrity and interior designer John Amabile, a long-standing supporter and Ambassador of the charity. Renowned Glasgow entertainer and Britain’s Got Talent hopeful Edward Reid will also take to the stage.
Nicholas continued: ‘Ladies lunches are always such a laugh. There’s great energy, and even better dancing! I know it is something Yvonne would have loved to have been a part of.’
Deborah Roe, fundraising director at SBH Scotland added: ‘Our fabulous female supporters are so generous and the annual ladies’ lunch is always a great afternoon full of fun, dancing and fundraising. To have Nicholas on board will only add to the excitement.’
SBH Scotland offers a lifetime commitment of support and information to all those in Scotland affected by the life-long, complex disabilities of spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. The charity needs to raise £1million every year to continue the crucial services it provides to more than 3,500 people in Scotland.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.sbhscotland.org.uk/content/ladies-lunch/ or call 03455 211 600.
To find out more about the Gordon Ramsay Appeal visit: www.sbhscotland.org.uk/support-gordon-ramsay/
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