Joshua Deeth Foundation holds launch ceilidh in Crieff

May 14 2010 by Katy Gordon, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A CHARITY set up in memory of a Perthshire baby who died of a rare disease held a successful launch event last weekend.

The Joshua Deeth Foundation held its charity ceilidh in the Morrison’s Academy Hall in Crieff.

Tickets for the dance sold out within a week, ensuring a packed room on Friday, with 150 guests arriving to the music of a local piper and a glass of bubbly, ready to support the charity set up by Stephen and Nicola Deeth.

MC for the evening was Martin Revie, who started off with a game of heads or tails and a ‘Strictly Come Ceilidh’ quiz, which got revellers in the mood.

Entertainment was courtesy of the Lomond Ceilidh Band, who had previously donated money raised from raffles over the festive season to the foundation.

Many local businesses donated prizes for the auction and the raffle with the auction itself raising £3500.

A meal of haggis, neeps and tatties was served by local butcher Gourlays.

Nicola said yesterday: “The ceilidh was a huge success with us exceeding our expectations and making a profit of £7078.

“We had hoped to have raised £10,000 by the end of the year and we have so far raised £13,578.”

Nicola added: “We are so grateful to our family and friends that helped us organise the event.

“It was a lot of hard work and a very emotional night for Stephen and myself but we got through it for Joshua.’’

The Joshua Deeth Foundation was set up by Nicola and Stephen after their son Joshua O’Donnell Deeth passed away in November only 14 weeks old from the rare neurological disorder pontocerebellar hypoplasia type one.

The disease is extremely rare and it was only after their son’s death that the couple discovered what little information and support is available to families.