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SBH Scotland surprises shoppers with flashmob on Burns Day

A Burns inspired charity flash mob surprised shoppers on the 25th January at St. Enoch Centre in Glasgow. Organised by Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland, the lively celebration paid homage to the great Scottish bard Robert Burns, while raising awareness for the charity’s vital cause.

Kick-starting the Burns Night celebrations, students from Theatre College of Scotland performed a medley of traditional Scottish songs including Caledonia and Flower of Scotland to delighted onlookers whilst SBH Scotland representatives collected donations from generous shoppers. Families who are supported by the specialist charity were also in attendance to join in the fun.

Sean Carr, who attended the flash mob with his son Andrew said, “We were delighted to be involved today. Since Andrew’s spina bifida diagnosis at our 20 week scan, SBH Scotland have been a big part of our lives. They brought positivity when we felt devastated and they have given Andrew confidence in his own abilities. It doesn’t matter that he has to use a wheelchair and walking sticks because with SBH Scotland he knows he’s not alone, he’s not the only one; we have a community of support.”

All proceeds raised will go directly towards providing personalised support to more than 4,000 children, young people and adults across Scotland affected by the lifelong, complex conditions of spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. 

Founder of Theatre College of Scotland Reece Donnelly, who flew the flag for Scotland on BBC One’s The Apprentice, said: “The Theatre College of Scotland was set up to champion and nurture Scottish talent, as Scottish representation in the arts is so important.

“When our friends at SBH Scotland offered us the opportunity to show our support for families in Scotland living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus on Scotland’s national day, we absolutely had to get involved. The students had a fantastic time kicking off the Burns night celebrations while raising awareness for a very worthy cause.” 

Lawrence Cowan, Chief Executive of SBH Scotland, said: Lawrence Cowan, Chief Executive of SBH Scotland, said: “Our mission is to make sure that no one affected by Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus feels alone.

“As a proud Scottish charity, with every pound raised in Scotland staying in Scotland, we do Burns in a big way. Burns wrote often about equality and ‘the pride o’ worth’. We’re delighted to work with the Theatre College of Scotland to take that message out to people in Glasgow today.

“Quite often our groups are the first-time kids meet other kids in wheelchairs. Families tell us that they’re a haven from the people and places that narrowly focus on what they can’t do. Every pound raised helps make sure that children like Andrew are celebrated for who they are.”

To find out why supporting us in 2024 is so important take a look at our 'why we need your help' page. If you'd like to get involved in fundraising please email the fundraising team. If you have spina bifida or hydrocephalus and would like support please email our support team. 

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