Online fundraiser remembers fun-loving Inverness gran
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As coronavirus restrictions kept many from her funeral an Inverness gran's family are honouring her memory in a slightly different way.
Beloved wife, mum, gran and great-gran Anne Souter (77) passed away recently, leaving behind close friends and family unable to attend her funeral during the coronavirus lockdown.
Having fought lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) for the best part of a decade with great spirit, as an alternative the Culloden woman’s grandchildren came up with the perfect way to honour her memory as well as staff at Raigmore Hospital who cared for her.
The #RaiseAGlassForNan fundraiser they launched has raised an impressive four-figure sum within days.
Contributors simply post a selfie of them raising a toast to Mrs Souter, who is survived by husband Andy, and then make a donation online at www.gofundme.com/f/raise-a-glass-for-nan
“We’re nearly at £2000 already, so my grandad’s thrilled,” granddaughter Laura Fairley, of Inverness, said.
“A lot of the donations initially came from friends and family, as they couldn’t make the funeral this week.
“Not only was Nan a fighter, she was a character. People gravitated towards her and once you met her you’d never forget her.
“She was unbelievably thankful to the NHS staff and loved that they gave her banter as good as she gave back.
“She was up on technology, more so than most of us. She would always have the latest phone and loved Snapchat filters, taking selfies with the grandkids and her two great-grandchildren.
“She also liked a cheeky wee brandy and lemonade now and again, and with her tech savvy she’d definitely have approved of #RaiseAGlassForNan.”
Two years ago, Mrs Souter endured a really bad episode of COPD, but battled through it against expectations.
“We got an extra two years with her, which was very precious,” her granddaughter added.
“This time, it was just a little bit too much for her body. We all just have a massive gratitude to the NHS and what all the staff at Raigmore did for her. They are just so fantastic, especially considering the amount of pressure they are under at the moment.”
Husband Andy, who was married to Anne for 57 years, said: “The care, compassion and comfort they gave her during her last weeks was second to none. I want the money to go to the respiratory ward as I have seen first-hand the amazing work they do every day.”
