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Macmillan nurse was an 'angel' in family's hour of need


By Alan Hendry

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Highland Heroes
Highland Heroes

MACMILLAN nurse Susan Morrison epitomises everything that is good about health care in the Highlands as far as businesswoman Cecilia Grigor is concerned.

"She is an angel," said Cecilia, reflecting on the invaluable support she and her family were given at a difficult time in their lives. Cecilia’s father, Derek MacDonald, died of bowel cancer in 2013, aged 54 – and Susan was there every step of the way to make a desperately sad situation that bit more bearable.

Cecilia is director at Planit Scotland, the Inverness-based company that is sponsoring the Healthcare Professional of the Year category of the first Highland Heroes Awards. It is a way of showing her appreciation for healthcare specialists like Susan who have such a positive impact on the quality of life of other people.

"Health care stood out for me personally as during one of the hardest times in my life I met Susan Morrison, the Macmillan nurse at Raigmore," Cecilia said.

"The only way I can describe her is that she is an angel. She was there to answer questions about the unknown and she understood the relationship that I had with my dad, who had just been diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer.

"Although she couldn’t change the inevitable, having her with us throughout his illness was a support that is indescribable.

"We wouldn’t have coped without her. Not only did she support my dad, she supported us as a family even after he passed and she has kept in touch with us.

"It’s the kindness of these individuals that can help ease our pain at a time that no-one is ever ready to go through.

"I will be forever thankful for all that Susan gave not only to my dad but to us as a family."

Derek, a father of four, had a strong connection with Cromarty Firth where he owned and managed MacDonald Ferries. He was a successful businessman and well respected within the community.

Cecilia founded Planit Scotland in 2014 and her business has gone from strength to strength since.

"My vision has always been to help other businesses get through those ever extending ‘to do’ lists," she explained.

"The Planit Scotland team are very fortunate to work with a whole host of local businesses and associations. So whether you’re looking for help with event planning, project management or marketing and communications, Planit Scotland can offer you expertise to get things done to a high standard.

"Outside Planit Scotland, I enjoy making memories with my little boy Nathan. We love exploring the Highlands and venturing further afield to warmer climes."

Healthcare Professional of the Year is one of 12 categories in the awards organised by Scottish Provincial Press (SPP).

They will recognise individuals from all walks of life throughout the Highlands who go beyond the call of duty to make a lasting difference to their communities.

There has been a heartwarming response among readers.

A judging panel is drawing up a shortlist of three nominees in each category, and a special supplement in early October will give details of how readers can vote for their favourites.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness, on Thursday, November 9.

Businesses interested in supporting the awards are invited to contact Sarah Mackay on s.mackay@spp-group.com


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