CANONBIE Probus Club and visitors from Langholm Probus enjoyed a talk by Multiple Sclerosis Society fundraiser Catherine Lithgow.
In typical larger-than-life fashion she wore her orange gear, including her STOP MS traffic cone hat.
The focus of her talk was her fundraising for the society. She displayed her talent for commanding attention and encouraging support for worthy causes even as a child.
She organised a regular Wheel of Fortune at her school with only one prize, a bottle of Pomagne, given to winners regardless of their age.
Her involvement with the MS Society is very personal; her husband, Malcolm, has MS. She described the symptoms of this incurable illness.
In her many walks and fundraising events she uses gimmicks such as orange wigs, traffic cone hats, tutus and mini kilts.
These draw people to her and allow her to explain her purpose and obtain donations.
Fundraising runs in the family. Daughter Hannah was stand-out at the Edinburgh 10k in orange body paint, running gear and STOP MS hat.
Catherine showed an impressive list of significant events on her T-shirt: Hadrian’s Wall; St Cuthbert’s Way; Great Glen; Arran Coastal Path; Forth Rail Bridge Abseil; Edinburgh Kilt Walks; and Langholm Walks.
She had some MS Society gifts and her home-made tablet went down a treat.
Her talk was very inspiring and Peter McManus, treasurer, gave £50 from Canonbie.