Dedicated Irvine volunteers hoping to transform healthcare in a stricken Ugandan town have been praised for their efforts in organising a hugely successful event.

The United Irvine Church of Scotland staged a fun day in aid of the project – aimed at establishing a clinic with accessible health care in Kanyanda  – on July 20 in Fullarton ConneXions.

Attractions included a bouncy castle, soft play, fun and games, badminton for all ages, a raffle and tombola, guess the name of the teddy, beat the goalie and hook the duck, as well as the popular virtual reality headset.

Volunteer Ian Young, who is helping spearhead the project, said:  “Of course, it was a fun day but to me it was more about awareness.

 “We had a fun day last year which raised £1,200 and we had some significant donations we were given on the back of it.

“The latest fun day raised  £1,425 for the Kanyanda Clinic.  

(Image: Stewart McConnell)

“A very big thank you to each and everyone who contributed to make this day the success it was. That was a good return.

“Sonia Bell and Donna Smith, who do the bulk of the heavy lifting for the project, have done a tremendous job of getting round town and talking to people about it. 

“We have a core team of six and others have helped but  we could do with some more support from people across the other congregations in Irvine.”

The clinic building is now virtually complete although finishing touches are needed.

Organisers also want to improve pregnancy care and maternity care in the clinic as young mothers have died and children have died young.

Fruit trees have also been planted around the area to help improve health, and the next step is to get a clean water supply.

More fundraisers will be organised, with donations always welcome.

Ian added: “Thanks to everyone who has supported us so far.”