It’s an ‘aye’ from Simon Cowell.
A West Lothian community group which provides social, sporting and educational opportunities within the local community, were thrilled to meet X Factor judge Simon Cowell and fellow co-star, Ayda Field, at a celebrity star-studded event in London.
Broxburn United Sports Club, voted as West Lothian’s Club of the Year in 2017, were invited to The Health Lottery Tea Party at The Savoy in London, to celebrate over £100 million raised for local grass roots charities in Great Britain.
The charity which provides opportunities for residents in Broxburn, Uphall and surrounding areas of West Lothian was praised by music mogul, Cowell. They have been awarded a £36,810 grant from People’s Health Trust.
The investment comes as a result of funds raised through The Health Lottery and has enabled the group to set up their Alive and Kickin project, which aims to reduce social isolation amongst men and woman aged 50 and over by offering sporting activities and social opportunities in the local community.
From walking football to indoor curling and discussion groups, the project seeks to bridge the gap between people of different ages by building friendships and social links in West Lothian.
The project was funded by People’s Health Trust using money raised through The Health Lottery in Scotland.
John Hume, Chief Executive of People’s Health Trust, said “It was important to celebrate the amazing work local charities and community groups are doing in their neighbourhoods to address health inequalities.
“Our evaluation showed that 91 per cent of the projects funded had helped people feel less isolated.
“This funding is essential. 40 per cent of the projects we support said they would close immediately without money from The Health Lottery. For us to have this pipeline of funding through The Health Lottery is critical.”
The afternoon tea ceremony celebrated over £100 million being raised to support good causes and grass root projects in England, Scotland and Wales.
Martin Ellice, joint Managing Director of the Health Lottery said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating the £103 million raised for more than 2,800 charities since we launched. We are also here to highlight the need for government to increase the jackpot limit for society lotteries to £1 million per draw regardless of sales, which will lead to millions of pounds of additional funding for good causes across the sector. We very grateful to our dear friend Simon Cowell for his support today - it’s been a wonderful day.”
Mrs Leigh Lauder, Alive & Kickin Co-ordinator, said: “We had so much fun at the Tea Party. We felt honoured to be invited to join so many incredible charities to celebrate over £100m raised through The Health Lottery.
“It was a fantastic day and so amazing to be at an event with celebrities like Simon Cowell.”
