Shawfair Christmas T.R.E.E* set for switch on

A local man who is undergoing treatment for blood cancer has organised a festive community event to raise money for Myeloma UK, an Edinburgh-based UK charity.

Tom Bruce has already attracted incredible support by way of donations and offers of services, with funds raised standing at over £3,500.

The unveiling of Shawfair’s first official Christmas tree – donated by Shawfair LLP - will be undertaken by Ciara Harvie, the classical singer from East Lothian, who came to public attention when she appeared on itv’s The Voice in 2017. 

The Old Colliery Bar & Grill, based at Shawfair, have chosen Myeloma UK as their charity partner and will support them with a range of activities. The Christmas Tree switch-on will be the first event to mark the ongoing partnership.

TomBruce, who was diagnosed with myeloma in 2017 enlisted the support of friends and family to organise the event, as well as corporate supporters such as the development company responsible for creating Shawfair new town. 

He said, “The Shawfair team have been so supportive, helping us erect and decorate the tree and contributing towards the costs of refreshments too. We hope that the local community from in and around Shawfair will come along to support the event.  Everyone is welcome!”

Helen Quigley from Myeloma UK said: “Myeloma UK are delighted to have been named as the partner charity for The Old Colliery, and are extremely grateful to Tom Bruce for arranging such a wonderful event which will help raise money for our work. We are indebted to supporters such as Tom and The Old Colliery as we receive no Government funding and rely almost entirely on voluntary donations and fundraising. Events such as this will help us raise awareness of myeloma and funds raised will help us undertake important research and provide support to everyone living with a diagnosis of myeloma.”

Hugo Tang, manager of Old Colliery said: “Tom is a longstanding and very dear customer.  He told us about his situation and we wanted to do our bit to help make myeloma history”.

A further  £1000 has been generously donated by housebuilders Dandara, Mactaggart & Mickel, Miller Homes and Stewart Milne Homes 


On the Night

  • Switch on at 5.15 pm led by Ciara, with help from Tom’s niece Lily Martin (5) and Lottie Robb-Tang (2) – Hugo Tang’s daughter.
  • Carol singing by local primary school/schools
  • Complimentary mulled wine and other refreshments outside The Old Colliery
  • Myeloma UK stall selling Christmas gifts
  • Live musical entertainment from Ciara Harvie and Acoustic David
  • Children’s activity area
  • Raffle prizes

Ways to donate

  • Send a cheque, made payable to Myeloma UK, 22 Logie Mill, Beaverbank Business Park, Edinburgh, EH7 4HG
  • Call 0131 557 3332 to pay in money using a credit or debit card
  • Pay funds electronically to Myeloma UK: Royal Bank of Scotland, Account number 00620527, Sort code: 83 18 24. Reference field should include Old Colliery Christmas event 

T.R.E.E = Thanks, Relationships, Enlightenment, Entertainment