A poem penned by author Alexander McCall Smith CBE will be one of the auction items at the 2019 Eric Liddell Centre Going For Gold Gala which is on 26 April.
Entitled, On running, and trying to run, it will be signed 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 penned the poem in support of the Eric Liddell Centre in 2017.
Speaking at the time, Alexander McCall Smith, a patron of the dementia care charity and community hub 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.”
The Gala will feature former British and Irish Lions captain Gavin Hastings, OBE, as the Master of Ceremonies and Eilidh Doyle, Scotland’s most decorated track and field athlete of all time as a special guest speaker. Fellow ELC Patron, Lord David Puttnam will also deliver a message to guests on the evening which will feature a live auction hosted by Paul Roberts, Vice-Chairman of Lyon and Turnbull.
John MacMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell Centre, said:“We are delighted that Alexander McCall Smith’s Eric Liddell inspired poem will be available for our auction. The fact that he dedicated his time to creating such a wonderful piece of work, is humbling.
“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. All monies raised for this inspired poem and other auction lots will be re-invested in supporting vulnerable people.”
Auction lots are available to view and bid on at www.ericliddell.org/going-for-gold
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