Sharleen Spiteri opens Musical Garden

Scottish recording artist and CLIC Sargent Patron Sharleen Spiteri officially opened a new musical garden at Malcolm Sargent House - a holiday home run by CLIC Sargent, for families affected by childhood cancer. The singer took time out of her busy schedule on Friday 25 June to unveil the latest addition to Malcolm Sargent House in Prestwick.  The home, which this year marks its 21st anniversary, offers family-centred breaks and specialist weekends for children and young people with cancer and their families.

The garden was inspired by a family who had been supported by CLIC Sargent and had visited the house.  It includes drums, chimes and an Imbarimba xylophone which combines the elements of two Classic African Instruments, the Marimba and Kalimba.

CLIC Sargent Patron, Sharleen Spiteri said:  “I have been an active supporter of CLIC Sargent for a number of years, so I know just how vital the service Malcolm Sargent House provides is for families affected by childhood cancer.  The musical garden is a fantastic addition to the house and will be the latest in a host of celebrations to mark the 21st anniversary.”

The garden was funded by big hearted listeners of West Sound Radio who dug deep during their Build a Dream campaign to raise nearly £40,000 needed for the initiative, which included an £18,000 donation from Craig Tara Holiday Park

Station Director at West Sound, Brenda Ritchie said:  “We are delighted that we smashed our original fundraising target figure with the help of our listeners and also from Craig Tara Holiday Park in Ayr who very kindly donated a massive a £18,000 from their Little Star Foundation to this worthy cause.

"The generosity of our listeners always amazes us and we cannot thank them enough. It goes to show that even during extremely hard financial times our audience is prepared to dig deep for local causes that have really touched their hearts. This is such an important local facility and we are very proud that the West Sound West FM Cash for Kids musical garden will be at the centre and will enhance the lives of the children and their families who visit."

The official opening of the garden forms part of a year-long celebration to mark the 21st anniversary of Malcolm Sargent House. During that time thousands of families affected by childhood cancer have been given the opportunity to take a much-needed break at the house.  During their stay they can relax and enjoy the views of the Firth of Clyde and Isle of Arran or opt for a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages ranging from cycling, arts and crafts and team games organised within the house.