Staff at West of Scotland Housing Association raised a record total of £5,100 during 2016 for two charities close to their heart, The Eileen McCallum Trust and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

Each year staff at the Association select charities they feel are deserving of financial support and take part in numerous fundraising activities.

Last year, with encouragement from the Healthy Working Lives Group, staff dug deep and sponsored a group to take part in Tough Mudder which raised an impressive £1,500. On top of that staff donated for dress down days, charity auctions, bingo, raffles, Christmas cards and coffee mornings to raise funds for their chosen organisations.

The Eileen McCallum Trust provides financial support to families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic disease which causes muscles to weaken over time. The Take the High Road actress set up the trust in 2010 which offers grants to help with equipment, vehicle adaptations and home alterations.

The Junior Diabetes Research Foundation accelerates research into treatment and prevention of type 1 diabetes and gives support to victims and their families.

Eileen McCallum MBE said: “We really appreciate this generous donation which will go towards making life easier for those living with DMD and their families. Care for the condition can be a huge financial burden and costs are rising, so support like this allows us to provide essential equipment. For example, donations have enabled us to give out 20 ProMove slings which make travelling more accessible and dignified. Now we can do even more.”

JDRF volunteer Jim Mckay said: “Donations like this help JDRF continue to support vital research to cure, treat and prevent type 1 diabetes and its complications. The amount WSHA has raised will provide a great boost and we want to thank you for thinking of us.”

WSHA chief executive, Lynne Donnelly, said: “WSHA has gone above and beyond this year for its corporate charities. Both organisations have had a positive impact on the lives of staff members so it is lovely to provide them with financial support. From powering through a muddy obstacle course to baking cakes in their own time and making regular dress-down Friday contributions, I’m delighted with the generosity of staff.”

Staff have already started raising funds for their 2017 charity beneficiaries Alzheimer Scotland and Strathcarron Hospice.