At the start of 2024, I made a commitment to align Boogie Beat’s values with meaningful action by supporting a different charity each year. In 2024, we chose to support the incredible charity Love from Jamie. In 2025, I’m thrilled to announce our next partnership with Team Jak. Here’s a look back at what we’ve achieved last year and what’s to come this year.
Love from Jamie: Supporting Families Through Loss
Love from Jamie is a remarkable charity founded by Fiona and Martin, who tragically lost their son Jamie at just eight months old due to multiple illnesses. Despite their grief, they channelled their love and energy into building a charity in Jamie’s name. Entirely funded through events and individual fundraising, Love from Jamie provides vital support to families who have experienced the devastating loss of a child.
In 2024, Boogie Beat Edinburgh, Mid and East Lothian raised £1,500 to support their invaluable work. This funding has already made a real difference and helped to contribute towards:
· A family new to the UK who lost their baby at just five days old received financial assistance to help them during an unimaginably difficult time when they had no access to public funds or benefits.
· Another family was supported in erecting three headstones for loved ones, including two children.
· A single mum referred by Fife Council’s social work team was given funding to erect a headstone for her baby.
These are just a few examples of the life-changing support Love from Jamie provides. Fiona and Martin are truly remarkable individuals, dedicating their spare time to help others in their darkest moments. It has been an honour to contribute to their journey in a small way, and I look forward to seeing their charity grow. To learn more about Love from Jamie, visit lovefromjamie.org.uk.
Team Jak: Bringing “Bee Happy” to Families Facing Cancer
In 2025, we will be supporting Team Jak, a charity that holds a deeply personal connection for my family. Two years ago, my nephew Marcus was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, a cancer of the bone marrow. He endured a challenging journey that included a bone marrow transplant. During this time, Team Jak provided him with incredible support through play and music therapy, both at Edinburgh Sick Kids Hospital and in their dedicated play space in Livingston.
Team Jak was founded by Allison Barr after her son Jak’s passing in 2015. Jak, who was just 15 years old, was diagnosed with Gamma Delta T-cell lymphoma in 2014. Despite his illness, he raised over £100,000 in his final months. Jak’s positivity and resilience inspired the charity’s motto, “Bee Happy,” which reflects his belief in spreading joy and support to others.
The Livingston play space is a haven for families, offering:
· Teen zones for gaming
· Areas for under-fives
· A relaxation cabin for parents and older siblings
· Counselling spaces
· An outdoor area
· A music therapy room
· To name but a few
For Marcus, music therapy provided a much-needed escape from the daily challenges of his illness. It brought him joy and relief during his treatment, and today, he continues to explore his love for music through guitar lessons. Marcus’s recovery and passion for music are testaments to the profound impact Team Jak’s work can have. To learn more about Team Jak, visit teamjak.org.uk/jaks-journey.
Why Music Matters
At Boogie Beat, we understand the power of music to bring joy, comfort, and connection. It’s a privilege to support charities like Love from Jamie and Team Jak, who share our belief in the transformative power of music and movement. Through our work, we aim to spread happiness and hope to families in our community and beyond.
As we begin 2025, I am excited to continue this journey of giving back. Together, we can make a difference, one small step at a time.
