PICTURES: British Empire Medal recognises remarkable work of North Kessock woman Di Gillies as cancer nurse and fundraiser for Marie Curie
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THE dedication of a Black Isle woman who devoted decades to helping seriously ill cancer patients and continued to fundraise for charity and volunteer long after retiral has been recognised.
Di Gillies, (78) from the Charlestown area of North Kessock, was presented with the British Empire Medal by the Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty, Joanie Whiteford.
It recognises her work with Marie Curie and the Inverness community.
Mrs Gillies worked as a cancer nurse for the charity and over the course of her career cared for more than 200 people. also playing a part in the introduction of Marie Curie’s night support scheme in the Highlands.
Despite retiring in 2003 she continued to volunteer, becoming an active hospital visitor to provide comfort and care to patients whilst also fundraising.
She said: “I was mesmerised myself. It all went very well. It does mean a lot to me. I worked for my patients and that was it.”
Jillian Walker, community fundraiser at Marie Curie, said: “Di has made a difference to so many lives both with her hands-on care and her fundraising support. We are so delighted for her.”
Mrs Gillies is currently a youth leader, volunteering through her local church in the engagement and management of around 120 young people from the youth club.
Joanie Whiteford said: “Di was described as the perfect palliative care nurse by her managers, nothing was too much trouble for her. She drove vast distances to ensure her patients were fully supported and that their pain was thoughtfully managed.”
She added: “Once retired Di became a stalwart fundraiser for the charity and has raised considerable amounts in support of Marie Curie Cancer’s work, and in 2004 she received the Marie Curie Certificate for Exceptional Fundraising and Volunteering in the Maggie’s Centre.
“Di is also a much loved and valued youth leader with her local churches.
“We had a lovely day to celebrate the national recognition of this very special lady. My thanks to Rev Farquhar Renwick, the ladies of the church and Di’s family and many friends.”
