“IT’S exactly what Paige deserves,” host Suzie McGuire told a cheering crowd on Saturday.
The former DJ was leading celebrations for what should have been Paige Doherty’s 18th birthday party at Glasgow’s plush Hilton Hotel on Williams Street.
Hundreds packed the grand ballroom determined to give Paige, who was murdered when she was just 15, the night she had always dreamed of.
Her favourite stars were in attendance, including GBX Anthems host George Bowie and Zander Nation, with a special appearance from Glow star James English and each table was decked out with heart-shaped mementos engraved with the phrase “Paige’s 18th”.
All that was missing from the event – which doubled as the first annual Paige’s Promise ball, a charity set up by her parents Pamela and Andy Munro in her memory to help other families who lose loved ones in similar circumstances – was the beloved schoolgirl.
Host Suzie kicked off the night by preparing the crowd for the “emotional” evening ahead as family and friends honoured “the girl who should be among us”.
A raffle and auction, with prizes including signed football shirts and pamper activities, kicked off the night before guests were treated to emotional videos paying tribute to the Whitecrook youngster.
One video continued the global Pout for Paige campaign, which was set up by the popular teen’s pals in the wake of her vicious murder inside the Delicious Deli on March 19, 2016, with TV presenter Eamonn Holmes, Duncan James and Antony Costa from boyband Blue and weatherman Sean Batty taking part in the phenomenon.
But the most touching tribute came from mum Pamela with a recording of the 35-year-old singing a rendition of Faith Hill’s There You’ll Be as pictures of her eldest daughter, who would have turned 18 tomorrow, where shown throughout her life – a moment which brought the crowd to its feet in applause.
The video was created by former-Glow star Jo Ferry.
Pamela and Andy, who also have four other children Andrew, 12, Peyton, six, Lucas, two, and tot Penny, took a moment to honour the strength and bravery of their children since losing their eldest sister.
As Pamela thanks the crowd for their support of the charity, she said: “The people I’m most proud of is my kids.
“They’ve dealt with more than most people have dealt with in their whole lives and I’m really, really proud.
“I know Paige would be looking down on them, proud of all they’ve done.”
And it was Paige’s oldest siblings, alongside her parents who led the toast to the birthday girl, as the crowd raised a glass which read “as long as there is someone in heaven to protect me, there is nobody on this earth who can harm me” before singing Happy Birthday. Candles placed along three tiers of shelves, in the shape of a cake, were also lit with a picture of the teen at the top.
The charity’s committee also took a moment to honour the people closest to Paige for their help in keeping her name alive over the past two years, however, the group also took the opportunity to present the first annual Paige Doherty Memorial Award to self-defence instructor Pat Sheridan.
Pat, who also hails from Whitecrook, helped the family to kick off their initiative in 2016.
A humbled Pat took to the dance floor to collect his trophy and told the Evening Times: “It was totally unexpected – and undeserved. But it’s a massive honour, I’m so proud.”
While the night was an emotional experience for those who knew her best, the family ensured the party atmosphere remained with the city’s biggest entertainers.
Taking to social media, George Bowie said of the event: “Great night at Paige’s Promise Ball.
“Quite emotional but an amazing crowd.”
While Zander Nation, who described the teen as a princess, said: “We have done, let’s just say [a] few gigs and big events but on a personal level this was so special.”
The total from the event is still to be calculated, but it’s expected to be in the thousands, which will go towards the charity’s self-defence classes, retreats and a planned befriending service.
But the charity’s main goal – to ensure the teen’s name lives on – has been a success.
The committee said: “It was an amazing atmosphere. We’re grateful to everyone who support and offered help on the night. We have had loads of great feedback and everyone is already asking when the next one is.”
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