Leading Tayside figures unite to support The Archie Foundation’s future fundraising ambitions in Tayside
We are delighted to announce our new Tayside fundraising committee formed to help drive our impact in the region.
The Archie Tayside Fundraising Committee brings together a diverse group of business leaders, healthcare advocates and community champions from across Dundee and beyond.
Established to support and strengthen fundraising efforts across the region, the committee will help The Archie Foundation Tayside continue its vital work supporting babies, children and families facing healthcare challenges and bereavement.
They will work with the Archie Tayside team and volunteers to support children accessing healthcare in the Children’s Hospital at Ninewells, Archie’s Child Bereavement Service as well as other NHS services.
One such service is Glenlaw House – a respite facility for children and families with complex medical needs. Thanks to Archie, children and families can benefit from a brand-new sensory room, specialist equipment, therapeutic and sensory sessions, and regular makeovers of the sensory garden.
For many children with complex medical needs, getting out and about can have many barriers. Glenlaw House provides vital opportunities to play, relax, learn and thrive in a safe, supportive environment.
Leading the new committee as chair is Dale Simpson, General Manager of Malmaison Dundee, with Kelly Fairweather, president of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce and owner of popular hospitality venues The Selkie and Velvet Tide, serving as vice chair.
Dale said it was an honour to have been appointed.
“It’s an honour to be selected as chair of the new Archie fundraising committee and to work alongside such a talented and passionate group of individuals,” he said. “The Archie Foundation has made an incredible difference to countless children and families across Tayside, and we are committed to helping the charity build on that impact. Together, we hope to create new opportunities for fundraising, strengthen community engagement and ensure the charity can continue to provide vital support where it is needed most.”
Among the committee members is Dr Grant Rodney MBE, who joined The Archie Foundation’s Board of Trustees in March 2025 following his retirement from Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital in 2024.
During his 29 years with NHS Tayside as a consultant anaesthetist, Dr Rodney played a pivotal role in the charity’s expansion into Tayside and was instrumental in the development of the purpose-built twin theatre operating suite at Tayside Children’s Hospital.
Carol Munro also brings extensive experience to the committee, having previously served as Chair of The Archie Foundation’s Board of Trustees for eight years, helping to guide the charity’s strategic direction and growth.
Rebecca Duncan, Business Development and Fundraising Manager at Archie Tayside, said:
“Our newly formed fundraising committee is a dedicated group of individuals, many of whom have first-hand experience of the fantastic work we do at Archie. Their diverse skill sets, networks and perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to grow support and awareness of Archie across Dundee and the surrounding areas.
“The committee is already sharing their expertise to help shape fundraising events and raise awareness of Archie’s impact in Tayside, all to support families when they need it most.”
Completing the committee line-up is Colin Thomson, distillery general manager at Angus Alchemy, Georgia McNaughton, Solicitor at Thorntons Solicitors, Laura Mooney, owner of Learn and Grow Childcare, Matthew Brown, senior client investment manager at Drumnor Investments, Michael Kemp, partner at Thorntons Solicitors, Vikki Nicoll, Child Bereavement Support Worker with Archie’s Child Bereavement Service, Oonagh Webster, recently retired director of office service and Thorntons Solicitors and Steve Smith, owner of Taybridge Group.
Alongside helping to shape our fundraising strategy, committee members have already made a fantastic start in supporting our work. They’ve taken on the Discovery Mast Climb, organised sponsored events, sourced generous raffle prizes, and embraced a range of other fundraising initiatives. Several members have also signed up to take part in the Dundee Kiltwalk this August, with plenty more exciting activities planned in the months ahead.
We can’t wait to see the difference this inspirational group will make!
The first exclusive fundraiser has already been set for Saturday 14th November at Malmaison Dundee with individual tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities available, for more event info and to reserve tickets visit – Archie’s Christmas Cracker.
