Building with horsepower

The University of St Andrews’ Dean of Medicine, Professor Hugh MacDougall, was today (Thursday, 20 May 2010) presented with a cheque for £1,750 towards the continued development of the new medical building.

The money was raised by University staff, who held a fundraising race night for family and friends at the St Andrews United Social Club in March.

Over 100 people turned out for a fun filled night of filmed horse racing, with the audience invited to bet on which horse would win each race in the hope of winning prize money.

The new medical building, which inspired the event, will not only be the future home of the medical school but is also designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration between medics and scientists and create significant advances in medical research. It will open its doors to students in September.

Sandra Dye, event organiser and Personal Assistant to the Head of the Medical School, said:

“It is truly marvellous that we managed to raise this amount of money and I would like to thank all the members of staff who supported this event and all the local businesses who donated prizes for each of the races.”

Professor Hugh MacDougall said:

“The new school of medicine is the most significant recent building project for the University of St Andrews.   Fundraising efforts big and small have contributed to our target of raising £15m towards the £45m cost.  I am most grateful to my own staff for this significant gesture.”

The race event was sponsored by Burnmill Joinery, Leven.

Issued by the University of St Andrews

Contact: Emma Shea, Communications Manager, on 01334 462 109 or email [email protected]