Staff from Maclay Murray & Spens LLP (MMS), one of Scotland’s largest commercial law firms, have raised more than £10,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) unit at Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital.  From bake sales and dress down days to the treacherous Three Peaks Challenge, staff at the firm’s Edinburgh office organised a range of fundraising activities, which also included Commonwealth Games sweepstakes and silent auctions, pub quizzes and cookbooks, to raise money for their charity of the year.

Amanda Jones, a partner at MMS, said: “Staff at MMS have a long history of fundraising for local charities. The fantastic result achieved this year is a testimony to the resourcefulness, innovation and dedication of each and every member of staff who has been involved in supporting this very important charity.”

Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for young cancer patients.

Traditionally treated alongside children or elderly patients, young people can feel very  isolated during treatment, some never meeting another young person with cancer. Being treated alongside others their own age can make a significant difference to their hospital experience and recovery. The TCT build specialist units within NHS hospitals to give young people a place designed just for them and for their needs. There are chill-out rooms, sofas, computers and gaming equipment as well as individual bedrooms designed for privacy.

Sharon Sheridan, East of Scotland regional fundraiser for TCT, said: “This is a fantastic amount of money that has been raised for us and it will go a long way to helping young people living with cancer in our units.”

TCT units do not receive government funding but require donations from the local community. It costs approximately £50,000 a year to run each one and MMS’ donation will pay for the running of the Edinburgh unit for at least two months this year.

(L-R) nurse Carron Smith, fundraiser Sharon Sheridan, with Rachel Dunn and Linzi Coates-Hedalen of MMS