ENABLE Scotland announced today that it has raised more than £150,000 to help children and adults with learning disabilities at its annual ball.

Scotland’s largest learning disability charity’s 23rd annual fundraising ball took place at Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum in Glasgow on Saturday, February 25.

Hosted by one of Britain’s best-known presenters and long-standing BBC sports anchor, Hazel Irvine and radio presenter Grant Stott, the ball saw 400 guests enjoy entertainment from the most famous bagpipe band on the planet, Red Hot Chilli Pipers.

Glasgow Times:

Eighties soul-funk band, Love and Money frontman James Grant performed live, and “rockin” nine-piece Glasgow soul band Big Vern ‘n’ the Shootahs! entertained guests with an energetic set.

The theme of the night was children and families; highlighting the challenges families with children who have additional support needs face.

ENABLE Scotland runs 14 projects across the country supporting children, families and carers. But more help is needed for the estimated 120,000 people in Scotland who have a learning disability.

Speaking at the event, Theresa Shearer, CEO of ENABLE Scotland, said: “There are more than 15,000 children of school age in Scotland who have learning disabilities.

“Many of these children do not get the support they need. They are isolated and alone. Their parents struggle to find people who will listen to them.

“We know that the services we currently offer for children and young people are oversubscribed with waiting lists that go on and on. The money raised tonight by our generous guests will help to change that and will transform the lives of families in Scotland.”

Glasgow Times:

Jaqueline Foy, whose son is supported by ENABLE Scotland’s Cumbernauld-based after-school support service RASCALS, said: “I honestly don’t know where we would be without RASCALS and ENABLE Scotland. If we didn’t have that support I couldn’t work, or focus on anyone else in the family.

“I fear we wouldn’t be together as a family unit to be honest. It is a lifeline and there are so many families like us that need this type of help, but it just isn’t there.”