NHS fundraising event set to return

A THIRD annual event to thank staff at NHS Dumfries and Galloway will take place this summer.

Crossmichael’s Jim McLelland is inviting everyone to the ‘One Big Thank You’ 2026 on Sunday July 26 at Lochside Park, Castle Douglas.

In the last two years Jim has raised £38,000 for the NHS D and G Charity, with money going specifically to staff services and palliative care.

In 1994 his first wife, Diane, died in the Alexandra Unit at the old hospital. He then lost his wife Ruth following a battle with cancer in 2023. It was during these times he recognised the extraordinary work of staff at the hospital.

The retired pub landlord started ‘One Big Thank You’ to show support and give back to the health board.

This year’s festival will include events, live music, drink, food and stalls. There will also be a fancy dress 5k around the park.

Jim said: “All of the people who work at the hospitals, we need them. And we need to let them know we appreciate what they are doing.”

Jim has set a cumulative target to raise £100,000. He added: “We raised £26,000 in the first year, last year was harder – we were unlucky on the day that we didn’t have as good a day as the previous year.”

Jim is also encouraging others to set up their own events to raise funds.

In the next few months he will be travelling across the region to raise awareness, so if you see him, say hello.

You can view the One Big Thank You fundraiser online HERE