Colouring the Community

The family and friends of cancer sufferer, Calum Speirs, have been celebrating after a holiday cabin, built in the youngster's memory, received a colourful makeover thanks to a donation from the Dulux Decorator Centre, on Watt Street in Glasgow.

The award winning respite centre which opened in February 2009 was built on the Isle of Bute in loving memory of Calum, who lost his fight for life one year after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. 'Calum's Cabin', offers children suffering from cancer-related illnesses and their families a relaxing retreat from where they can enjoy farm visits, horse and cart rides and walks through the beautiful grounds of the Mount Stuart mansion. Dulux Decorator Centres donated a selection of paints in peaceful colours such as white, beige and brown, as part of its Colouring the Community scheme, to help create a tranquil atmosphere for guests.

The peaceful haven was decorated by local painter and decorator, Brian Hughes from the Isle of Bute, using the paints and materials donated by Dulux Decorator Centres.

Brian said: "Calum was such a brave young lad and achieved a great deal in the 13 months before he died. He was a happy, smiling boy until the end and his legacy will enable other children with cancer and their families to enjoy a holiday on the Isle of Bute. Calum's parents Caroline and Duncan worked tirelessly to raise funds after his death and the cabin opened to its first visitors exactly two years after Calum died. The donation from Dulux Decorator Centres has enabled us to create a calm, clean environment that Calum would be proud of."

Joanne Cowie, assistant store manager at the Glasgow Dulux Decorator Centre, commented: "Calum's Cabin is a great resource and we were honoured to be able to help with this project as it really will enable lots of other children and families to spend quality time together."