A Bridge of Weir man who was molested as a child has issued a plea to Renfrewshire residents ahead of a remembrance service this weekend.
We previously reported how Sandy Smith and his partner Jayne Taylor-Savery were both raped as youngsters at the hands of staff at Quarriers Homes.
Many of the tragic former residents are buried at Nittingshill Cemetery, in the charity's grounds in Bridge of Weir.
In 2013, Sandy and Jayne formed Quarriers Warriors Justice for Children Army, which represents historical victims of sex abuse at the home.
The pair campaigned tirelessly to see 'lost' gravestones marking the final resting place of 335 children who died at the orphanage being restored.
Since the missing headstones on the children's unmarked graves were replaced in 2019, Quarriers Warriors has held an annual service of remembrance at Nittingshill Cemetery.
This year's event will take place on Sunday, September 24, starting at 2pm, and Sandy is hoping for a high attendance so that at least one person can stand next to each of the 155 gravestones.
The 71-year-old told The Gazette: "We managed to get the headstones replaced and have held a service every year since then.
READ MORE: Quarriers survivors win fight to have children's graves restored
"This is our fifth anniversary event and we are trying to get at least 155 people to attend.
"We want each of them to stand at one of the children's headstones so the kids know that we will never forget them.
"There is not enough of us in the Quarriers Warriors to do this and we are calling on the public to help us."
A cherry tree is set to be planted at Nittingshill Cemetery during the service, with a piper also set to perform at the event.
Sandy said: "I was recently in the hospital after I caught Covid and was almost at death's door. I'm so thankful to be alive for this service.
"Before anything happens to me again, I would really appreciate it if there was one person standing at each of the kids' headstones during the event.
"That is my dream and I would really love to see it come true this year."
For more information, search for Quarriers Warriors Justice For Children Army on Facebook and request to join the group.
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