Charity music night, raffle and auction set to drive awareness and funds for local family

On Saturday 20th October The Sandemans (and special guests) are set to host a charity night, armed with huge Perthshire business and community support. A story I have been putting off writing about, for the sake of not having to tell Perth again. I don't think I have the words to give this story the justice it deserves. A story so sad it has touched so many of the Perth community. I barely have to touch on the subject matter for people to know what I am talking about. 

Lily Douglas’ story is a heartbreaking one, Lily has battled with stage-four Ewing’s Sarcoma for around two years. Fast approaching her 11th birthday, and after receiving the all clear a few months back, Lily has been told that her cancer has returned. 

I want to use this space to talk about an event that is happening, a community spirit that is unravelling, a rise of the people and businesses like I've never seen before. A cause that resonates with so many people across Perth, whether they know the family or not, that has willed them to band together to raise masses of money and donations in a bid to help out the family in any way that they can.  

On 20th October The Sandemans plus very special guests will be putting on a gig in The Mallard and this article isn’t even to plug the event. As I write this I can’t even guarantee there are many tickets left. I’m writing this because I am taking a step back to watch a moment of love, sympathy, community drive and care from Perth. Filled with donations of auction prizes, raffles, money, time, resources, venue to name a few. Perth giving everything they have to help out.

The night has been put together purely from donations from the people of Perth. On the night The Sandemans will be playing alongside special guest DJ’s Tarky (Groovement) and Audiotronic (Space Boutique) who will be bringing some old skool sets. Kelly McCormick will also be supporting with an acoustic set.

The venue has been donated by The Mallard, food by Ronnie Burgess, sound and light by Perthshire Sound & Light. Others have donated marketing efforts, organising raffle prizes and helping with planning.

The idea came about from a conversation between The Sandemans and parent Marie-Louise Lafferty. Through a few Facebook posts they got a huge backing of support with many offers of help. The night is set to be a huge success, with all proceeds going back to the family.

The raffle and auction donations have been overwhelming, Perth’s small and large businesses offering huge prizes, rallying around the cause. People have donated so much the team are now having to run an auction on the Facebook Event page - which also means you can bid/donate even if you can’t make the event. This auction will be running until Friday 19th October so get involved.

For more information head over to the Facebook event page where you can grab one of the remaining tickets or take part in the auction. 

No matter how much is raised we can only hope this money can do something to ease the heartache of the family. We are here, we are with you and we are sorry.