A LOCAL service group that helps individuals with learning difficulties has raised almost £1,200 for leading armed forces charity Poppyscotland.

The group, which supports individuals with learning difficulties to be more independent through organised activities, chose to support Poppyscotland due to the fact that 2018 is the centenary year of the signing of the Armistice that led to the end of the First World War.

The Barrhead/Thornliebank Service User Committee, which is part of the East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s Thornliebank Resource Centre, raised a total of £1,191 through a ‘Poppy Parade’ sponsored walk and a jewellery workshop that produced sparkly poppies.

Sharon McIndoe, the group’s day centre officer, said: “Poppyscotland was the natural charity of choice for us this year given the significant date, but we also chose them because some of our service users had previously been involved in raising money for Poppyscotland.

“Everyone had a good time raising money for Poppyscotland. We organised a Poppy Parade sponsored walk, which was held last month in Cowan Park, Barrhead.

"The parade was advertised throughout the East Renfrewshire area to include members of the public to come and join in, which they did in strong numbers. We also want to say a big thanks to our colleagues from the Melo Velo bike workshop for their support on the day. They brought along some adapted bikes for all to try.”

Sharon added: “Our service user committee group, which has been running for over 20 years, is a voice for everyone who attends Barrhead/Thornliebank centres. It covers East Renfrewshire and we also work in partnership with third parties to highlight various events and activities within the area.”

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s head of fundraising, said: “We salute the Barrhead/Thornliebank Service User Committee’s wonderful fundraising campaign and thank them for all of the various activities that they organised in order to raise such an impressive sum. This also shows the efforts individuals and groups make to help Poppyscotland all year round and not just during the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal.”