Donation honours Mandy

East Kilbride’s Hairmyres Hospital has received a £4500 donation.

The cash gift came courtesy of an 1980s-themed fundraiser organised by Auchinraith Primary School.

It was held in memory of mum-of-three Mandy Shannon, 46, who passed away in the intensive care unit following a brave battle with liver disease. Son Ross, 10, is a pupil at Auchinraith. Dr Helen Mackie, chief of medical services at Hairmyres, said:“I would like to thank all the pupils, parents and teachers at Auchinraith Primary School for all their hard work and for thinking of us in their fundraising efforts.

“Hairmyres is the local hospital for the school and it is good to have a link with the communities we serve. Hopefully we won’t see too many of the pupils as patients but we would very much like them to come and work with us one day.

“The money will come in very handy for ward 11. We will use it to purchase additional equipment to enhance patient care and experience.”

Auchinraith head teacher Julie McCulloch said:“We were all shocked and deeply saddened when we found out that Ross’mum Mandy had died.

“The school community wanted to support the family and we decided to hold a charity day in her memory. We also wanted to raise money for Hairmyres Hospital to thank the doctors and nurses who provided excellent care and treatment.”

Mandy’s husband John Huston added: “This has been a very emotional time for our family and we are very grateful for the support we have received from both the school and Hairmyres Hospital.”

Pictured are Mandy’s children Teri Houston, far left, and Ross Houston, far right front, with John Houston, back centre, Dr Helen Mackie, front centre, and head teacher Julie McCulloch, far right back.