Poker day paid tribute to tragic Perth youngster Ava (8) and raised thousands for a worthy cause

Ava Soutar died in February after contracting meningitis.

A group of Perth poker players have raised thousands of pounds for charity in memory of an eight-year-old girl from the city.

Ava Soutar died in February after contracting meningitis.

Men at the Perth Civil Service Club wanted to do something to honour Ava, and so created the Ava Cup.

They went on to raise £3000 for Rachel House in Kinross with a tournament which was played before lockdown.

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Dean Sinclair, who helped organise the event, said Ava was “ a fun-loving young girl who is sadly missed by everyone who knew her”.

Explaining how the charity day came about, he said: “When I was made aware of Ava passing from her uncle Gary McWilliams, I knew right away we had to do something to raise money for Rachel House in Kinross where Ava spent her last days.

“Gary is well known in the Perth poker community so what better way to raise funds than having a charity poker day?

“Along with few other friends, we went knocking on local businesses for raffle prizes and for that a big thanks goes to all of the self-employed people and small and big businesses in Perth for sending gifts for us to use as raffle prizes.

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“Also a massive thanks to the Perth Civil Service Club for giving us the hall free and Perth Poker Club, where Gary plays on a weekly basis, for letting us use the poker tables and chips.”

Maxine Campbell, community fundraiser for CHAS, which runs Rachel House, said the money would make a huge difference.

She said: “For families who can’t come to the hospice due to social distancing and self-isolation, the hospice can come to them.

“With the money given to us, you have already made it possible for families to continue receiving the support they need, even while isolating at home, especially families like Orla’s, who have been taking part in some of our online activities sessions.

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“When you’re shielded at home and struggling to find different things to do every day, these activities are invaluable in breaking up the day and bringing a smile to all of our faces. Orla particularly enjoyed the music session and Caoimhe had so much fun with the Clown Doctors and all the dancing she did.”

The overall winner on the day was Brian Don, who said: “What a day, what a turn out, but most of all what a great amount of money raised for such a great charity.

“I am already looking forward to coming back next year and trying to win the Ava Cup.”

Anyone who wants to help support next year’s event, and even get in some poker practice beforehand, can get n touch with Dean via email at Deano_s09@hotmail.co.uk