Maureen Birnie’s beloved husband, Allan Gordon Birnie, was diagnosed with Lymphoma, a form of blood cancer, in 2017. Maureen says that he received amazing treatment and care from the team at the Freeman Cancer Centre during his stays on Wards 33, 34, 35 and 36 for treatment.
Gordon was in remission for more than a year but, unfortunately, the cancer returned in late 2019. Sadly, Gordon passed away on the 30th of May 2020.
Maureen says that at the time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions, the family weren’t able to hold a fitting funeral for her husband, so she made up her mind to hold a celebration of his life at a later date.
She made the decision to hold a charity event to celebrate what would have been Gordon’s eightieth birthday at her local Constitutional and Unionist Club in Forest Hall, which she and her husband have been members of since 1967.
Maureen organised a grand raffle, an auction, a tombola, and a play your cards right quiz, and sold Bright Red pens and wristbands throughout the event. More than eighty people joined in, and local businesses donated vouchers of all kinds.
Maureen says, ‘It turned out to be an exceptional night. Myself and my family were totally overwhelmed by the huge support from friends, relatives, and club members.’
Maureen says she wanted to raise funds for Bright Red as the charity ‘means such a lot to me and my family, as the care and dedication given to Gordon on all wards and the care of Dr Osborne and her team was outstanding. One could not ask for better care, even the care given to myself and my family.’
‘The best part of the fundraising was making everyone aware of Bright Red, and highlighting the need for such a charity and the tremendous work that’s involved with treating blood cancer.’
The event raised an incredible grand total of £3,000, which will go towards Bright Red’s essential work in fighting against blood cancer for a brighter future.