MORE than £55,000 has been praised for child protection charity NSPCC at an annual event in Glasgow. 

Around 500 guests attended this year's sixth Fizz and Fabulous Ladies Lunch at the Radisson Blu on Saturday, November 18 and raised a total of £55,610 for the charity, smashing the organisers' target. 

The event which is organised by the Glasgow-based NSPCC Ladies Lunch Committee has collectively raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the NSPCC in Scotland over the years to help keep children and young people safe. 

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Childline counsellors are there for children and young people across the country every day of the year.

Janette McAllister, chair of the committee, first got involved with the group after attending a lunch five years ago.

She said: "After attending one of the events, I knew I wanted to get involved behind the scenes and have been on the committee ever since.

"It’s always a great day and it’s been brilliant to watch it grow over the years, so much so that we had to move it to a bigger venue in 2019.

"We are so grateful to the Radisson Blu hotel for accommodating the last three events.

"To raise so much this year is absolutely amazing.

"We set our expectations high and hoped to raise £50,000, so to smash that is incredible.

"We know times are tough for people, so to see so many make such an effort for the NSPCC is truly inspiring.

"We are considering two lunches next year as so many people want to attend, and we have almost sold out tickets for 2024 already.

"We want to help make sure children are kept safe from abuse and neglect.

"That’s why we raise the funds each year for NSPCC Scotland –to change childhoods for the better."

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Sandra Jones, community fundraising manager for NSPCC Scotland, added: "We’d like to thank the wonderful Ladies Lunch Committee members who generously give up their time to organise this event each year and everyone who attends and donates so generously on the day.

"Their support helps us be there for children when they need us."

The committee was recently recognised with the Esther Rantzen Award at the NSPCC People Awards for making a difference to the lives of children and families they have worked with over the last year. 

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk. 

Children can contact Childline about anything that is worrying them by phone and online 24 hours  day at childline.org.uk or by calling 0800 1111.