An anonymous benefactor has pledged £100,000 to an ambitious appeal to develop Scotland’s first multi-purpose centre for children and young people with severe disabilities.

It is the second time a mystery donor has pledged such an amount for the Haven Appeal which is aiming to raise £4 million for the planned centre at a derelict site in Smithton.

This latest gift takes the appeal, being organised by the Elsie Normington Foundation, to a total of £1.3 million.

Chairman Elsie Normington confirmed that the mystery donor lives in the Highlands.

“He believes in the vision of the appeal and believes it will come to pass,” she said.

“I am so touched by that.”

Mrs Normington said she was thrilled by the wide public support to deliver the ambitious project which will feature respite houses, a community café, specialist play centres, office and meeting spaces and a community garden.

“The backing comes from a very wide range of people who recognise the acute need for the kind of integrated facilities that the Haven Centre can provide,” she said.

“Donations range from money raised at a raffle to this latest pledge of support from a wealthy supporter who wishes their identity to remain anonymous.

“This is a second pledge of £100,000 which is very generous indeed and hugely appreciated in helping the children and young people in our community who most deserve it.”

See the original article in the Inverness Courier by visiting https://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/mystery-backer-pledges-100k-to-appeal-178430/?fbclid=IwAR0x6JJ-QREY6teKu_n_bagKi76MCtG0F1ko5nenCC7vJ3j6vAikt-mjtxw