Support John's fundraiser
Assistant Council Officer John and his technicolour beard will be fundraising over the next week to raise awareness of cot death, marking the 16th birthday this year of his late granddaughter Olivia.
Colleagues may have noticed that usually clean-shaven John has grown a beard lately and over the next week he is brightening up the reception desk of Cunninghame House as he welcomes everyone with his colour-changing beard!
Monday had a pop of sunshine yellow, with cerise pink on Tuesday and blue on Wednesday. John will be taking a photo each day to mark each milestone.
Although a bit of fun, the bold, bright bearded looks are for a charity very close to John’s heart, The Lullaby Trust.
John shares more about how his daughter Michelle has encouraged him to do the fundraiser this year as 2026 marks fifteen years since the family faced an unimaginable loss…
John said: “My beautiful granddaughter Olivia sadly died from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) when she was just three months old. We continue to this day to be heartbroken at her being taken away from us at such a young age…
“Forever in our hearts, I wanted to take on my colourful bearded challenge in her memory, being as bright as she was, her wee smile lit up every room.
"Forever in our hearts, I wanted to take on my colourful bearded challenge in Olivia's memory, being as bright as she was, her wee smile lit up every room." (In memory of Olivia who passed away on 13 January 2011, aged 3 months)
“The Lullaby Trust and their Little Stars campaign is really important to us as a family as it raises awareness of SIDS and what to look out for and also provides vital support to bereaved families. The charity exists to keep babies safe and the funds raised will help to fund life-saving research and support grieving families through their darkest days when a baby dies suddenly or unexpectedly. My fundraising goal is £350 and we’re well on our way to the half way mark...
“No matter how small, if you can make a donation via Just Giving, our family would be grateful for your support.
"We had an issue with our first Just Giving link but we have a total of £100 raised so far. Now, with the help of your generosity, I am aiming to smash a £200 target...
“Alternatively, if you would like to make a donation in person, please visit Cunninghame House reception. Thank you so much to everyone for your support and to everyone who has generously donated so far.”
To find out more about the charity and their new Safer Sleep checklist app, visit the Lullaby Trust website.
To donate now, visit the Just Giving page. Thank you everyone for your support and good luck John on your fundraising efforts!
Published May 05, 2026
