Charities pocket cash thanks to MP Gregg’s pool skills

In May the Labour politician used the skills he developed as a youth at the Red Triangle snooker hall to win the £1500 top prize in an annual charity pool tournament for MPs and the press.

Afterwards he asked the rotary clubs of Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch for suggestions on how to donate £500 to a good cause in each area.

Respectively, the clubs recommended Cumbernauld-based mental health organisation Now You’re Talking, Strathcarron Hospice and Merkland School, which is a special school in Kirkintilloch. Kilsyth Rotary Club also offered to match Gregg’s donation, ensuring Strathcarron would receive £1,000.

Gregg said: “I was delighted to be able to make a contribution and even more pleased that the Rotary Club chose to match it.

“People always talk to me about Strathcarron and I had a neighbour who was a community nurse for the hospice.”

Now You’re Talking and Strathcarron Hospice have both received their cheques, while the presentation to the school will take place after the holidays.

Irene McKie, director of Strathcarron Hospice, said: “We are extremely grateful to both Gregg and the Rotary Club for their generous donation.

“This will enable us to buy a new recliner chair. We like to use this type of chair as its features make it easier for people to stand up without help.”

Charles Coulthard, who oversaw the presentation as one of his final duties as president of Kilsyth Rotary Club, said: “We have always supported Strathcarron and it was a pleasure to be able to do so with Gregg.”

David McArthur of Now You’re Talking, based in Seafar House in Allanfauld Road, said: “This donation will buy equipment to allow us to provide a 10-week arts and crafts course for up to 50 people who are suffering or recovering depression or anxiety, so we’re very grateful to Gregg and the Rotarians.”