2 Minutes with Lynne McNicoll

Someone that needs no introduction is It’s good 2 give Co-founder and Chair, Lynne McNicoll.
A well known face and inspiration to many, Lynne is an amazing lady who has achieved so much and dedicated her time to helping young cancer patients.

You may know Lynne well but did you know she is a HUGE Michael Buble fan?

Read on to find out more about:

1.  Tell us about your involvement with It’s good 2 give?
I founded It’s good 2 give in April 2010 with my husband Ian the charity’s co-founder and project director.

2.  What inspired you to set up It’s good 2 give?
I had been a volunteer fundraiser for four years supporting teenage cancer patients. I opened the first TCT Unit in the East of Scotland on 4 December 2009. That was a special moment. But in the months leading up to that I had watched a personal friend deal with her 10 year old daughter being diagnosed with cancer. I was struck by how split the family had to become – dad was working in London and sister had to stay with friends and mum was spending most of her time with her daughter in hospital. At weekends dad came home and he took over being with the daughter but it meant there was little together family time. I knew then I wanted to set up own charity to support young cancer patients of all ages and their families. I wanted it to be practical support and I wanted to create a Retreat where the family could go to spend quality time together. I also wanted to encourage volunteering as I love it so much.

3.  If you were hosting a fundraising dinner to raise funds for It’s good 2 give which 5 famous people would you invite?
Michael Buble, Fiona Bruce, Matt Baker, Mary Berry and our Founding Patron and good friend Grant Stott

4.  Has there been one special moment with It’s good 2 give that  you would  like to share?
Opening the Ripple Retreat on 12 May 2017 was a once in a lifetime experience.
After years of incredible hard work - fundraising, project management and a bit of personal heartache it was amazing to see the project complete and the retreat open. We are always looking at ways to add special touches to the retreat and it takes a lot of  work to keep it running but to give young cancer patients and their families a place where they can enjoy some time together, away from hospitals, doctors and everyday pressures is very special.  We were super lucky to have Queen of Daytime TV, Lorraine Kelly, agree to open it with our very own and very special Grant Stott. I was determined that Grant would be there at this special occasion as he has been (and remains) a great support to Ian and to me and our charity.

5.  What is your favourite .......book, film, food, drink, animal?
My favourite film is a modern fairytale, Pretty Woman.  Favourite book is Pay it Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde - you should definitely read it.   It has influenced me greatly over the years and was recommended to me by another inspiring person, Charlie Miller.   Many of you will know my favourite animal is a red squirrel and my drink of choice is sparkling water with a slice of lime or lemon.

6. If you were marooned on a desert island for a year, what 3 items would you take with you?
A pillow, a mattress and a pair of good shoes

7.  If you could only play one song for the next 6 months, what would it be and why?
It would have to be  Jason Mraz ‘I want you to have it all’ or maybe the late great Louis Armstrong singing A Wonderful World – the minute I heard Jason Mraz song I loved it – the words are just the best. I have loved Louis Armstrong since I was a wee girl and If I ever did karaoke (don’t worry, I never will) it would be this song and it is uber poignant just now – ‘Friends shaking hands, they’re really saying I love you” - remember that, shaking hands? How we all wish, eh?

8.  Which singer would you choose to perform a song at an IG2G event?
Michael Buble pleeeeeese

9.  What would the title of your autobiography be?
I told you it was worth it