Alexander McCall Smith Pens Special Poem Ahead of Fundraising Gala

Alexander McCall Smith CBE has penned an original poem to be auctioned off as part of the inaugural Eric Liddell Centre Fundraising Dinner which is taking place next month.

The original poem will be handwritten by the 44 Scotland Street author with guests and fans alike now able to place bids online for the once-in-a-lifetime keepsake.

Using Eric Liddell, Olympic gold medallist, as his inspiration for the poem, Alexander will also be attending the fundraising gala on the 5 of December at the Sheraton Grand, where he will entertain the audience with an inspiring speech.

Alexander McCall Smith, said:

“Eric Liddell’s story is one of the great inspiring stories of Scotland. I was delighted to write something about the sportsmanship and effort associated with him, especially in support of the wonderful work that the Eric Liddell Centre does.”

Chris Paterson MBE will also be speaking to the audience while comedian and columnist Susan Morrison will compare the evening, all in a bid to help raise funds for the major Edinburgh care charity and community hub. Chris’ appearance at the dinner comes through the Murrayfield Injured Players’ Foundation who have pledged support for the ELC gala. The Foundation focusses on providing support and assistance to injured Scottish rugby players but is financially and administratively independent. Since its inception the Charity has assisted a number of players with long term injuries.

John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Centre, said:

“We are delighted to hear that Alexander McCall Smith will be writing a special Eric Liddell inspired poem for our auction. As a patron, he has a special place for all of us here at the centre so to hear he has dedicated his time to creating such a fantastic piece of work, is humbling.

“We are all extremely excited about our inaugural fundraising gala and news of the poem being up for auction, adds that extra special element to the night. I look forward to welcoming lots of new and familiar faces to the dinner and hopefully we can all help raise money for us to keep growing and expanding the wonderful services we offer throughout Edinburgh, thanks to The Eric Liddell Centre.

“The centre specialises in care for the elderly and dementia services with the aim of reducing social isolation and promoting independence while supporting people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Our person-centred day care service, to 70 people per week who are diagnosed with dementia, is carried out by a dedicated team of highly qualified staff and experienced and skilled volunteers. The more money we can raise the more people we can assist.”

The full list of auction items can be found at the following link: www.goingforgold.ericliddell.org and details of how to purchase tickets to the gala here: https://www.ericliddell.org/inaugural-eric-liddell-centre-fundraising-gala/