A mum has raised over £3,000 in order to bid on a hare that her daughter designed for the Leuchie’s Big Hare Trail campaign.
The large work is set to go under the hammer on October 1 in North Berwick in order to raise money for Leuchie House.
But mum, Kirsty Heriott, 50, has said that she wants to do everything in her power to ensure that the hare stays in the community and is not sold off to a private collection.
In her quest to secure it, she has saved up her wages from being a fairy Godmother at children's parties since July.
And as a result she has been able to raise over £2,000 by herself and over £3,000 with the help of family, friends and strangers.
The Hare was designed by her daughter Abbie Heriott, 26, after she had returned home from studying illustration at Lancashire University.
At first Abbie was unsure about entering the competition but after a motherly push she decided to throw her hat in the ring.
Out of 100 applicants, Abbie was one of ten to be chosen for the project.
As a child Abbie was visited by a man in a puffin suit at her local nursery as part of a community drive to get people excited about the new Seabird Centre that was opening in North Berwick over 20 years ago.
This acted as the inspiration for the Hare design, with the illustrator using the puffin as the centrepiece of the work of art.
After its completion it was placed outside of the Scottish Seabird Centre where it looked out towards the Bass Rock.
It formed a part of a public art event that saw around ten giant Hares placed across North Berwick from July 10 until August 10.
The idea was to create a free, fun, family friendly trail of discovery for local people to explore and enjoy whilst at the same time raising awareness of the great work that Leuchie House carry out.
On her attempt to secure the Hare and the great work that Leuchie House do, Kirsty said: “When Abbie was picked as one of the artists for Leuchie's Big Hare Trail, no one was prouder than me.
“But what started as half a joke, that I would need to save hard to try and win it when it went to auction, has turned into a reality with the help of some serious hard work through my Fairy Training Parties and some serious lovely help from family and friends.
“Who knows what the Hare's will go for and if Abbie's goes for far more than I have in my pot, I will smile and be delighted that it helped raise even more money for Leuchie than expected.
“We are bidding not just for ourselves but for the community, we would much rather have Abbie's Hare North Berwick Trust’s Country Park where we can all still see it and visit, than in some private collection. So for those who want to help us and help Leuchie house, our fundraiser is where you can do that and it will remain open a week after the auction as well.
“Please be aware, that even if we don't win the Hare, the money you have donated will still go to Leuchie house, it's a very worthy cause, so let's make them the winners whether we win or not.
“Leuchie is dedicated to supporting people living with the long-term effects of conditions such as MS, MND, Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions through individualised respite breaks, and by providing an essential break for carers. Their specialist team, enabling approach, and stunning location in the East Lothian countryside and their beautiful house where they offer short breaks with 24 hour care, Leuchie House really is one of a kind. It is a very special place.
“And because you should never ask for something without giving something too, I am also offering a prize for those that donate.
“Anyone who donates will be entered into a draw to win a year's subscription to The Boozy Book Club - a whole year's worth of boxes delivered to your door, that will hopefully bring a smile every time, just like Hetty Hare does for me!”
Kirsty also runs a Boozy Book Club business that designs packages which contain a cocktail and gifts along with a novel.
She then hosts virtual book club sessions where everyone discusses the novel with their cocktail and are often visited by the books author.
All those donating to the fund before and after the auction will receive a free package so long as they leave their name when donating.
If you would like to support this cause then please visit their JustGiving page here.
