DGHUK AGM and Curry Lunch 2026! Sign up now...Our annual meeting in Edinburgh returns on Wednesday 13 MayWhat’s the connection between Scottish country dancing, Irish bingo and a 350-mile mission into the deepest Himalayas? The answer (of course!) is a charity fundraising night in aid of Dr Graham’s Homes and its wonderful pupils. The event has been put together by Carol McLaren, a West Lothian-based DGH supporter who has done some brilliant fundraising work for the Homes in recent years. In September, she’s travelling to Nepal for a six-day cycle ride from Kathmandu to Dr Graham’s Homes – part of this year’s epic BikeforDGH event, featuring riders from across the world (including Nancy Divya, who we interviewed recently for the blog). To boost her fundraising total, she’s holding a social evening at Greenburn Golf Club in Fauldhouse, West Lothian, on Saturday 4 April 2026. The event features a ceilidh, a disco, a “talented / talentless” karaoke – and possibly a celebrity guest star too (watch this space.) The night has already sold out, but you can still donate to the cause if you would like to support Carol’s project. Just head to our Donate page for all the details (tick the “Carol’s BikeForDGH project” option when filling out the form).
Carol (closest to camera!) on the fundraising trail with cycling friends
Carol, what does your fundraiser have in store?
It’s going to be a great night. We’ll start off with traditional Scottish dancing, with music from a four-piece band we’ve put together called “The 19th Reelers”. That has been organised by three local teenage musicians – plus one of their dads, who has bought a Scottish drum especially for the occasion!
What else have you planned?
We’re going to have a disco and some karaoke, which I've called "talent and talentless" (the talentless part is for my benefit!). Alongside all that, there will be a raffle, Irish bingo, and pie and peas. I’ll also be taking a moment to deliver a brief talk about Dr Graham’s Homes and the work they do. And we may also have a visit from a celebrity guest, who is a very accomplished singer, though I can't reveal her name just yet!
This isn't your first fundraising event for the ride, is it?
No, I also did a ghost walk fundraiser in December. I took people up to my house and told them lots of stories about local folklore and ghosts. I've also been completely blown away by one sponsor who put £1,000 towards the cause. I really had to take a seat when I found out! He just cares so much about the Homes and the work they’re doing.
Are you in good shape for the cycle ride in September?
Not yet! I did one of my first training sessions the other day and felt so tired. This year’s BikeforDGH involves cycling six days in a row through the mountains, so I really need to start building up my miles now and practice putting one day in front of the other. I don't quite know how I'll cope, but I just need to make sure I train as best I can before September.
What inspired you to take on BikeforDGH in the first place?
It came about a few years ago. I had recently lost my mum and dad, who I’d been caring for over the past 10 years. Suddenly I found myself with a lot of space and time, and I felt a wee bit like a boat without a rudder. A friend of mine called Billy mentioned he was going to India to do a fundraising cycle ride, and without even realising what I was saying, I just blurted out, "Great, can I come with you?". He said "aye!" And so I ended up going!
DGHUK AGM and Curry Lunch 2026! Sign up now...Our annual meeting in Edinburgh returns on Wednesday 13 May
