Sistema Scotland receives generous legacy from long-time supporter

In early 2020 Sistema Scotland received a generous gift from the will of Mrs Sheila Lydvo. Sheila’s legacy is now playing a vital part in supporting us to improve the lives of some of Scotland’s most vulnerable children and strengthen their communities throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.

Sheila passed away in June 2018 and had been a committed supporter of the Big Noise programmes for a number of years. Her foresight in leaving a legacy is now helping our Big Noise programmes to work intensively with the children and families of Raploch, Govanhill, Torry and Douglas during this uniquely challenging time. With Sheila’s support our musicians are providing a flexible and innovative programme of online and Covid-safe in-person delivery, maintaining nurturing and trusting relationships with children and young people to support emotional wellbeing and positive engagement with learning.

Nicky Pritchett-Brown, Executive Fundraiser for Sistema Scotland, said: “We were so very touched and grateful to learn of Sheila’s generous commitment to the children of Big Noise through her legacy. We couldn’t have known at the time just how much of a challenge the coming year would be and this generous gift continues to support the needs of our Big Noise communities as we navigate these strange times together. I particularly remember meeting Sheila when she came to help celebrate our tenth birthday in January 2018, braving a snowy journey from St Andrews to see the children perform. Sistema Scotland is committed to improving lives and strengthening communities through music over the long term, which is why gifts in wills are so valuable in helping future generations of children in Scotland to thrive.”

Any contribution, however large or small, can make a very real difference to the lives of children and young people taking part in Big Noise. If you would like to find out more about leaving a gift to Sistema Scotland in your will please visit this page.