Crime writers’ dinner raised over £5,000 for cancer charity

A charity crime writers’ dinner organised by FACE (Fighting
against Cancer in Edinburgh) raised over £5,000 which will be used to help fund
the annual Lapland trip for youngsters affected by cancer.

Hosted by former Lothian and Borders Deputy Chief Constable
Tom Wood, the event, sponsored by Highland Park whisky was attended by over 200
guests at Wolfson Hall in the Royal college of Surgeons last week.

After a three-course meal, Ian Rankin, author of the ‘Rebus’
series of books gave a humorous talk on his early days as an aspiring young
writer and how he sought the assistance of two experienced detectives from
Leith.

He was followed by Dr Ralph Bouhaider, a forensic
pathologist who provided an entertaining lecture on Russian prison tattoos.

Local author Peter Ritchie concluded the formal part of the
evening with a talk on one of his previous cases when he was a young detective
sergeant working at ‘E’ Division in Midlothian.

The talks were followed by an auction and raffle with the
prizes including a ‘pie and a pint’ with Ian Rankin and a trip for two to
Lapland.

Lapland’s own Santa Claus travelled over for the event and
kindly agreed to draw the winning tickets.

Current Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingston
closed the event.

FACE is a cancer fund established in 1990 and is based at
the Edinburgh Cancer Centre of the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh.

The funds raised through FACE provide the “little things”
that make a difference to patients and families who have been affected by
cancer. FACE is run entirely by volunteers, who have directly or indirectly
been impacted by cancer.

There are no paid members of staff and no offices to
maintain. This allows FACE to keep administration costs down to a minimum and
maximise the funds that are available to provide help. 

FACE Convenor John Macaulay whose dedicated service to the
community was recognised when he was awarded the MBE said: “It was a brilliant night
and I’d like to thank everyone for their support. We managed to raise £5150 on
the night including our auction.”