Angus fundraisers who bought almost 600 hours of nursing care for local terminally-ill people have been hailed as “an inspiration”.
Linda Merilees from Carnoustie helped raise more than £11,500 with friends in a new fundraising group for Marie Curie, following a resolution she made last year.
The charity provides care at home for people with a range of terminal conditions.
The team reached its total with events such as an abseil down Dundee University’s Tower building in June, a tea party in July, a fancy dress event at the Station Hotel in November, and collections throughout the year.
Linda, a hairdresser with Regency Hair and Beauty on Queen Street, said she is thrilled at what the group has achieved since it was launched last March.
“It has just been brilliant,” she said. “I started last year determined to give something back and now, as a group, we’ve managed to make a real difference to families in our community fighting terminal illness.
“It has been hard work but it’s also been so much fun and we’re all hugely grateful to every friend, family member, local business and generous member of the public who has helped us get this far.
“This is their success as much as ours.”
Linda’s fellow Carnoustie volunteers included her husband Andrew Brown, Pam Cruickshank, Laura Ramsay, Jenny Paterson and Hilary Brown.
Marie Curie patron Petra McMillan, also from Carnoustie, applauded the group’s work and praised Linda for having the initiative to contact her at the start of last year.
“Quite simply, the world needs more Lindas,” she said.
“She is an inspiration and the perfect example of what any one of us can do once we put our minds to it.
“We hope Courier readers will be inspired by Linda and her friends and consider donating a little of their own time to Marie Curie in 2016.
“Just donating an hour or two a month can make a big difference in your own community.”
Next month the charity launches its biggest annual fundraising drive, the Great Daffodil Appeal, which involves the sale of millions of the bright yellow daffodil pins.
Visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil for more information.