STEP, Stirling’s business support organisation, has announced It’s Good 2 Give’s Ripple Retreat as its chosen Charity of The Year 2016/17.

Voted for by staff at STEP, the charity offers support to young cancer patients and their families in Scotland.

STEP will support the elected charity by volunteering and planning a number of fundraising business events throughout the year in support of the charity’s long-term goal of raising £1.5 million to build the Ripple Retreat on the south bank of Loch Venachar. The retreat will provide affected families with a safe, restful place for short breaks.

Lynne McNicoll OBE, co-founder of the charity, started fundraising in December 2005 on her 49th birthday – she wanted to find a different and more rewarding way to celebrate her 50th. Since then she has raised over £2 million for children with cancer.

Gordon Bell, CEO at STEP said: "At STEP we are passionate about how we can make a real difference, not only to businesses but also in the community. We are delighted to be supporting this incredible charity which does amazing work for families at a time that most of us could not even comprehend. Lynne and her team’s enthusiasm and dedication is overwhelming and very contagious. The team at STEP is very excited about getting involved and supporting the Ripple Retreat.”

The land where the Ripple Retreat will be build was donated to the charity by David Ferguson and his family. Architect Tony Kettle designed the magnificent building which was inspired by the ripples on the loch and the rolling hills behind. Individuals and businesses have helped raise over £1 million towards the target already.

Lynne McNicoll said: “I am delighted that STEP have chosen It’s Good 2 Give as their Charity of The Year for 2016/17. This is the most exciting period for our charity as we work towards completing the Ripple Retreat. We have long wanted to become better known throughout Scotland and I certainly feel that this is a great opportunity for us to be better known in the Stirling area. We can’t wait to get started on our new partnership.”

STEP would like to encourage local businesses to get in touch with them if they would like to get involved with fundraising, or contact It’s Good 2 Give directly.