SMILE Children’s Charity was founded in Larkhall earlier this year by Wendy and Stephen Meek in memory of their son, Justin, who passed away suddenly in 2014 on a family holiday in Florida.

The charity supports families of children with disabilities or serious illness, offering a break from stress via mindfulness, fun days and meet-ups.

Wendy, SMILE’s CEO, said: “The ultimate goal is to raise enough money to enable us to offer a respite retreat in the Lanarkshire countryside where these families can have a break together to relax, re-charge and spend quality time creating special memories.

“However, as a recent start-up, we have no funds at the moment and need to concentrate on the basics that will let us start fund-raising. The most important thing we need right now is therefore a laptop to enable us to be active online, plan events and activities, and develop the digital functions of the charity.”

Through the Community Wish List, Blantyre firm Block Architects heard of SMILE’s requirement and were able to step in with exactly what they needed.

Wendy added: “We had the absolute pleasure of meeting with David and Kimberley from Block to receive the laptop.

“Thank you so much to them and to the Community Wish List Team - this will make such a difference to the charity.”

Block Architects’ Managing Director, Kenneth Martin, said: “We had a spare laptop and we thought a great use for it was to help a new charity get online quicker and produce the spreadsheets needed to keep track of their fund-raising.

“SMILE is just starting out and need help with all manner of things and witnessing the vision they have for the charity brought a tear to the eye. We wish them luck and will continue to help fund-raise where we can.”

The Community Wish List is supported by the council’s Community Engagement Team and was created by the council to enable groups and organisations to make requests for specific support to benefit their local community.

Chair of the council's Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, Councillor Lesley McDonald, said: “This is another great example of the Community Wish List and the benefits it can bring to local communities and organisations.

“I would like to thank Block Architects and all of the other companies who have so generously donated time, money and resources so far, and look forward to seeing the benefits their donation will bring to SMILE.”

Local community groups can still submit a wish to the Community Wish List. To find out more, go to the council website, send an email, or call 0303 123 1017.