Anthony Nolan is one of two charities closely linked to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) that will benefit from more than £40,000 raised through a concert by famous Celtic Rock band the Red Hot Chilli Pipers.
Deputy Chief Officer Alex Clark, from SFRS said: “The two charities benefiting from this concert are special to people throughout the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and I want to extend my thanks to everyone involved in delivering a tremendous fundraising night.
“Anthony Nolan is our official charity partner and our staff have recruited thousands of potential stem cell donors, leading to a chance of life for at least nine people with conditions like Leukaemia.
“For the Red Hot Chilli Pipers to stage a fundraising concert entirely for these charities is an incredibly generous act and the massive sum generated will make a real difference.”
A crowd of more than 1,300 people attended the concert, which was the brainchild of serving firefighter – and Red Hot Chilli Pipers founder – Willie Armstrong.
The band is an ensemble act combining pipes, guitars, drums and keyboards and has amassed a global fan-base. Since its formation in 2004 it has released five studio albums and featured on the soundtrack to the Dreamworks animated movie How to Train Your Dragon 2.
Willie said: “This is the first time in the history of the band that we’ve played for nothing and that’s because this is all about helping two great causes.
“The gig sold out months before and every penny is going to the charities, including the merchandising, the ticket money and the proceeds from a raffle.
“I’m an operational firefighter and obviously the Family Support Trust is close to my heart because if something happens to a firefighter then they will step in and help the individual or their family.
“We also wanted to help Anthony Nolan – not only to raise money for them but also to raise awareness so people can become donors and help save the lives of blood cancer patients.”
Firefighter Steve McCrorie, who is currently competing on hit BBC show The Voice, made a special guest appearance as the Chilli’s support act.
The Clackmannanshire crooner – who serves with a crew at Kirkcaldy Fire Station – said: “It’s great to be part of an evening like this and it’s going to such a great cause.
“I think the Red Hot Chilli Pipers as an act are great and it was a real privilege to come and play.”
If you would like to support their fundraising for Anthony Nolan please visit https://www.justgiving.com/RHCP-Fund/ or visit www.anthonynolan.org/sfrs to join the register.