Speaker Evening

On Thursday 7 September, members and guests of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry enjoyed a highly entertaining but emotionally-charged talk by Emma Connor, Laura Stockwell, two of the Three Stars to the West, who all work for Macmillan Cancer Support. Explaining how they became involved with their own personal fundraising for Macmillan Cancer, Emma and Laura told us the moving story of the death of their boss Susan Selkirk from cancer. She had been such an inspirational person that they decided to undertake a year of personal fundraising, having a different event each month.  So far, they have abseiled (of course!), done the Loch Lomond Mighty Hike (a walk of 26 miles), done bucket collections and had coffee mornings and evenings - which involved cake and prosecco – Susan’s favourite. Since prosecco and cocktails appeared a lot in the evening fundraising events, Emma, Laura and Cara have decided to undertake the challenge of Go Sober for October and are looking for sponsorship. The Three Stars are halfway to their goal of £8,000, so with events still to happen, they should reach their goal before the end of the year.  Susan’s favourite book was Peter Pan, so when undertaking a fundraising event, the Three Stars dress as Peter Pan, Wendy and Tinkerbell in memory of her. Afterwards, Emma and Laura read out the poem ‘The Dash’ by Linda Ellis which had been read out at Susan’s funeral and was a very fitting end to their presentation.  This was an evening about three admirable young people, inspired by an exceptional friend and boss. 

The vote of thanks was given by Enrico Prentice, who said ‘You are the Three Stars but it is obvious that Susan is your guiding star, keep looking towards that star’.