​Peter Capaldi becomes patron of cancer charity

Doctor Who actor Peter Capaldi is the new patron of It's Good 2 Give.

The Scot will help to promote the cancer charity to raise much needed funds for children affected by the disease.

Capaldi was introduced to 16-year-old Millie McLean by a relative while the Edinburgh schoolgirl was being treated for a rare form of cancer and they remained in contact until she passed away last month.

The actor said: "I was introduced to It's Good 2 Give after the charity had helped a family I know. I was hugely impressed by their approach and ambition.

"By spreading the word I hope to help them raise the funds they need. It really is Good 2 Give; please help them by giving what you can."

The charity was established by Lynne McNicoll in 2010. Its latest campaign is to build a luxury residential home on the banks of Loch Venachar near Callander that can be used by families for breaks during treatment.

McNicoll said: "You can't imagine how excited we are to have the support of Peter. We are at a critical stage in our fundraising and desperately need to reach out to people who are keen to support everyday families who are battling with the emotional and physical challenges of caring for a child who is seriously ill.

"Our help is every day, a little and often approach. But next year, while we will continue to do this, we are also going to be able to offer families the Ripple Retreat, a fabulous exceptional designer house built on the shores of Loch Venachar.

"From a standing start, we have raised £750,000 but we need much more to cover the costs of the build and to fit out the house to the high standards we want.

“Our £1 million target is the reason we will launch the Ripple Retreat Appeal in January."