Vaccines can provide hope for the future
Goodbye 2020 – What a dreadful year it was for all of us!
It has been difficult for so many and my thoughts and prayers go out especially to those who have lost loved ones and friends during this pandemic.
However, I look forward to 2021 with optimism with the news that two new vaccines have been developed and approved which brings hope that they will help to bring this virus under control.
On another positive note, I was delighted to hear that Maxine Allan, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of Whiteley’s Retreat, has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the
Queens New Year Honours List for services to Young People with Cancer and NHS Front Line Workers in Ayr during the Covid- 19 pandemic.
The brief description for the reason for the award does not in any way adequately describe the contribution and achievement that Maxine, who is a volunteer, has made since 2016, when CLIC, Malcolm Sargent House in Prestwick closed.
Whiteley’s Retreat, established under Maxine’s leadership in 2018, has developed from previously being a farm, to a fabulous, first class facility that provides children with cancer and other life altering illnesses, and their families with free, therapeutic short breaks.
This would not have been possible without the contribution of hundreds of volunteers, local businesses and many local tradesmen who have given up their time and expertise to enable the continuing success of this fantastic facility which was also used as emergency accommodation for essential NHS staff during the pandemic.
One thing of which I am certain is that this would not have happened without the drive, energy, and enthusiasm of Maxine Allan and if recognition of service to the community and a medal is warranted, then I know not of a more deserving individual and charity.