Behind this headline is one very determined and persuasive woman. Lynne McNicoll OBE founded the charity It’s Good 2 Give seven years ago and this year she realised her dream by completing a building project on Loch Venachar in the Trossachs.
The 3 bedroom house was opened today by TV personality Lorraine Kelly, who cut the ribbon, before a crowd of supporters from David Ferguson who gifted the land on which it is built to Edinburgh hairdresser Charlie Miller OBE who does so much for teenagers with cancer.
The proceedings were opened by birthday boy Grant Stott who is one of the charity’s patrons, with Lynne offering many heartfelt thanks to those present. The project only got underway when the local council said they would allow building on the site, but only if it was an exceptional building. Tony Kettle who is an award winning architect stepped up with the unique wave-shaped roof inspired by the ripples on the loch.
Fundraising by the charity has now reached over £2million.
Lynne said : “Opening the Ripple Retreat today is an amazing milestone for our charity. Our dedicated funders and passionate volunteers have worked tirelessly to deliver something unique which will make an enormous difference to hundreds of people from all over Scotland every year.
“The Ripple Retreat will be a lifeline to families struggling with the devastating effects of a child’s cancer diagnosis. Families are quickly thrown into despair having their child endure the ordeal of chemotherapy and the ravaging effects of this cruel disease.
“Our gift to these families is the Ripple Retreat. A luxurious and peaceful living space for a short break to relax, reflect and hopefully, enjoy time together.
“On behalf of It’s Good 2 Give, our generous supporters and many dedicated volunteers, we are extremely proud to launch the Ripple Retreat for all the families we are committed to helping through an immensely difficult time in their lives.”
Lynne McNicoll was joined at the launch by Tabitha Lawson, age 12, a former cancer patient who received support from the charity at the age of 6, Alfie Byrne, age 7, whose sister died from cancer and Kira Noble, aged 13. They are all now active Young Ambassadors for It’s Good 2 Give.”
She was also joined by her husband Ian McNicoll who likes to keep maintain a quiet but supportive presence. He has project managed the 18 month building project along with Lynne.
Many who have met Lynne over the years have been aware of her persuasive nature, but understand that it is all in a good cause! She recruited the help of a number of large businesses to help with the Ripple Retreat build including John Dennis Construction, Cundall, Harley Haddow, Kitchens International, James Morrow, Walker Group, Spifox and KDMedia. The pier in front of the modern designer house was funded by contributions from the Wooden Spoon charity.
The outstanding garden created by Semple Begg Garden and Landscape design, was funded by a donation from Spifox, the Scottish property charity which raises funds each year to support children and young people throughout Scotland.
The charity began when Lynne ran a healthy snack round in the oncology ward at the Sick Kids, but this was quickly extended to include workshops mentoring and practical support.
To donate to the Ripple Retreat, please visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/RippleRetreat.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
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