Moira Anderson Foundation charity marks 25th anniversary

Tree planted in memory of missing Coatbridge schoolgirl and distinguished guests invited along to honour milestone.

The Moira Anderson Foundation planted a tree in memory of the missing Coatbridge schoolgirl and invited distinguished guests along to mark the charity's 25th anniversary.

Coatbridge's former MP, Sir Tom Clarke, gave a poignant speech which reflected on him seeing Moira’s mum visit Jean Mann, the MP back in 1957-58, following the lack of progress in Moira’s case.

International ambassador Matthew McVarish represented the voices of more than 9000 survivors of child sexual abuse the charity has help since it was launched in 2000.

A silver birch tree selected by Edna Doran was planted in the grounds of the charity base in Airdrie's Mavisbank Street in memory of Moira, who vanished after setting out to run an errand in 1957 and was last seen on a bus being driven by convicted paedophile Alexander Gartshore, the father of Moira Anderson Foundation founder Sandra Brown.

Sandra was also in attendance at the charity's 25th anniversary event as everyone poignantly reflected on the impact made by Moira and her disappearance.

The Foundation's director, Gillian Urquhart, told Lanarkshire Live: "The garden at Mavisbank Street is beautifully looked after by our volunteers, however it was Edna Doran who selected the silver tree, and she also baked a stunning cake marking the charity's silver jubilee.

"Music on the day was provided by Chriss Mills before everyone sampled the cake, which all our guests loved.

"Others in attendance were charity treasurer Sheena Pollock and Fulton MacGregor MSP, who is also a former trustee.

"Helena Rameckers from the Catholic Church National Safeguarding Standards Agency congratulated the charity on 25 years of remarkable service, and there were various representatives from other agencies.

"Matthew McVarish noted the poignant speech by Sir Tom Clarke, who recalled seeing Moira’s mother visiting Jean Mann, the formidable MP, in 1957-58 following the lack of progress in Moira’s case, and the sadness of the entire community for the plight of the Anderson family and their missing daughter.

"Matthew gave a speech representing the voices of over 9000 survivors of child sexual abuse helped by the charity since 2000.

"He stressed, 'crossing the doorstep of the Moira Anderson Foundation was an action that changed the course of my life - and I am just one example'.

"A school teacher uncle who had preyed on Matthew and his brothers as children duly served a sentence, but they needed support making police statements and navigating the court system.

"The Foundation's role, Matthew added, had been crucial in seeing justice done.

"He is now recognised on the world stage as a respected child protection advocate with involvement at the UN, and is a co- founder of the Brave Movement.

"We would like to thank everyone who came along and helped us mark our 25th anniversary milestone.

"If you have been affected by childhood sexual abuse, you can contact us by calling 01236 602890 or emailing info@moiraanderson.org; find out more at our website."

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