Ross tractor rally is 'thanks' for cancer care
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A FORMER public health chief who was struck by cancer is to hold a fundraising tractor rally in Ross-shire as a thank you for the care she received.
Margaret Somerville has teamed up with tractor enthusiast Neil Macdonald from Strathpeffer and Highland Hospice for the event on Saturday, September 17.
Neil, a farmer and stalwart charity supporter, is organising the vintage tractor rally around Dingwall and the Black Isle.
The rally will be followed by a ceilidh in Dingwall Town Hall in the evening with music provided by Bob Massie and friends.
Dr Somerville used to work for NHS Highland – she was its director of
public health until she retired in 2014 – but has had the tables turned on
her since she became a patient following her diagnosis of breast cancer last year.
Margaret said: "Despite my background, it came as a tremendous shock to get the diagnosis, but I have received absolutely excellent care and support from the team at Raigmore.
"Let’s face it – one in three of us will develop a cancer at some time in our lives and breast cancer is one of the better ones to have. There is very effective treatment available and the long-term outlook is very good and improving all the time.
"I am very optimistic that my cancer is now fully controlled and I am getting back to normal life and activities."
However, Margaret is very aware that not everyone is as lucky as her. The hospice provides vital care for people with any sort of terminal illness, not just cancer, and relies totally on volunteers and charitable donations. Hence her wish to support their work as a way of thanking the services for the care she has received, recognising the essential role that voluntary groups and charities play in providing support and care for people, working alongside NHS and social services.
Margaret is inviting folk to come along and support the tractor rally along its route.
The tractors will start in Dingwall in the large car park at 10am, stop for lunch in Rosemarkie at the Plough Inn around noon and arrive in Beauly about 4pm.
If you have a vintage tractor and would like to take part, please
contact Neil on 07712 387301. The ceilidh will start at 7pm in Dingwall Town Hall and finishes at midnight. Tickets can be
obtained from Neil on the number above or from Margaret at margaretsomerville53@gmail.com or at the door.
