2026-07-15T08:14:27+00:00

Strichen charity day raises over £5,300 in memory of beloved father

A community charity day in Strichen held by a grateful daughter to mark what would have been her dad Gordon Irvine’s 70th birthday raised more than £5,300.

It was an emotional time for Gemma Drewett and her family as her dad had been diagnosed with cancer on his birthday three years previously, on 4 May 2023.

He was cared for at Roxburghe House before passing away on 4 August later that year, “peacefully and with no fuss, as he lived”, the family said.

“There are so many words I could use to describe Roxburghe House,” said Gemma.

“The care we all got as a family was just so lovely. We felt such warmth and support throughout my dad’s stay, right through to the little things like making sure that we had something to eat and drink.

"So I decided to organise an event for my dad’s 70th birthday, which would have been on Monday 4 May."

The day-long event on 2 May at Ritchie Hall featured DJ Jasper keeping the crowd entertained with music and dancing, alongside games and raffles, with food provided by Strichen Lodge.

“I know for sure that he would have been there sitting at the back with a good whisky in his hand, celebrating like everyone else was at the event,” said Gemma.

Friends, family and the local community donated generously, leading to a fantastic final total of £5,365. Gemma, her mother Caroline and her daughter Indie handed over the donation to Friends of Roxburghe House earlier this month.

Gemma said: “The amount that I raised was a shock and I am absolutely overwhelmed and delighted to be able to raise that for my dad. Every penny that I am donating is my thank you to everyone that works and volunteers at Roxburghe House. I really can't thank you all enough for how you cared for my dad and us all as a family.”

Main picture shows Friends of Roxburghe House trustees Anne Brown (centre) and Flora Watson (on right) receiving the donation from Gemma

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