Christina McKelvie Ball announced in memory of late MSP

A charity ball is to be held in memory of late Scottish Government minister Christina McKelvie.

The Christina McKelvie Ball will “celebrate Christina’s life, passion and enduring legacy as a tireless champion of equality and justice”, organisers say.

Depute SNP leader Keith Brown, McKelvie’s partner, said the event would help to “keep her spirit and determination alive” and raise funds for cancer charities.

He said: “The Christina McKelvie Ball is not just a chance to honour Christina, it is a chance to ensure we keep fighting for the causes she cared about so deeply.

“The evening, like Christina, will be filled with love, laughter, and sparkle – and I hope friends, allies, activists, community members and all who share her values will join us for this special celebration.”

Brown announced the event, which will be held in April at the Hilton Glasgow hotel, alongside McKelvie’s sons Lewis and Jack.

The long-serving MSP died in March at the age of 57. She had been receiving cancer care and was on medical leave from the Scottish Government at the time.

The ball will be hosted by comic Susie McCabe and raise funds for Breast Cancer Now and Maggie’s – two charities McKelvie worked closely with. 

Sarah Slaven, senior community fundraiser Scotland at Breast Cancer Now, said: “We are deeply touched and grateful to the family and friends of Christina for the charity ball being held in her honour that will raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Now. 

“Christina was a longstanding supporter of our charity, even before her own breast cancer diagnosis, championing the issues that matter most to people affected by breast cancer in Scotland. She was a powerful advocate for breast checking and encouraging women to attend their breast screening appointments, and for the importance of improved data, treatment and care for those with secondary breast cancer.

“Around 5,310 people – 5,270 women and 40 men – are diagnosed each year in Scotland. That’s around 102 people every week. The money raised will help us strive towards realising our bold vision that by 2050 everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live and live well.”  

 Kerry Craig, head of Maggie’s Glasgow Centre, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Christina’s family and friends for organising what sounds like will be an incredible event next year in support of Maggie’s and Breast Cancer Now.

“I had the privilege of getting to know Christina when she came to the centre for support and believe she would be honoured to be remembered and celebrated in such a way.

“She understood the expert, bespoke support we offer at Maggie’s so well and became one of our biggest champions despite coping with her own diagnosis.

“I am sure the ball will be a huge success.”