The University of Aberdeen is to benefit from the funding-raising efforts of a North-east family later today (Wednesday, April 30), when Professor Hugh Pennington, Head of the University's Department of Medical Microbiology, will be presented with a cheque for nearly £1,400.
The funds have been raised by Ross and Nicola MacRae, who live in Oldmeldrum, and their family and friends, following their four children suffering from an E. coli O157 outbreak in 2002.
Mr MacRae, said: "Last year our children contracted E. coli O157. My wife and I wanted to say a big thank you to Professor Pennington and the staff from the University's Department of Medical Microbiology for all their efforts and decided to hold various fundraising events to raise funds that we could give back to the Department."
The fundraising efforts included Mr MacRae dying his hair different colours; a family friend having his legs and eyebrows waxed; friends dressing up in fancy dress and raising funds at their hairdressing salon; and a fundraising Dance which was held in February and included raffle prizes.
Mr MacRae added: "We do not want other families to have to go through what we went through last year. My wife and I hope that this funding will be used to help with the research being carried out within the Department of Microbiology and will ultimately help in reducing the number of outbreak cases from this pathogen."
Professor Pennington is delighted to be receiving the funding, totalling £1,330, and said: "Human infection by Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 is usually as a result from eating contaminated food or by direct contact with farm animals or their faeces. The cause of the MacRae family outbreak is unknown but this money provides a timely opportunity to carry out a preliminary investigation into the carriage of E. coli O157 in sheep.
"We are extremely grateful for the money being presented today and on behalf of the University I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr and Mrs MacRae and their friends and family for all of their fundraising activities."