Light project helped us remember Debbie
A Hamilton grandad helped co-ordinate Lanarkshire’s participation in a national day of reflection for those who have lost their lives to coronavirus, following the death of his wife.
Peter Mcmahon was left devastated when Debbie, mother of their three children, contracted coronavirus in September last year.
The grandmother of four, who worked as a cleaner at Hamilton Fire Station for 25 years, spent three weeks on a ventilator fighting for her life.
Sadly, Debbie passed away on October 18, a week after turning 53, in University Hospital Hairmyres.
Her death left family and friends devastated, but the family took great solace from the guard of honour laid on by staff at Hamilton Fire Station following her death.
Peter explained: “Debbie was always smiling and her smile really lit up the room. She would do anything to help anyone in any way. Her death was such a shock to us all.
“Debbie was very popular with family, friends and workmates who gave her a guard of honour at the fire station on Bothwell Road, Hamilton, on the day of her funeral with flags across Scotland’s fire stations flown at half mast in her honour.
“It was something we will always remember. It really let us see how popular and loved she was.”
Having lost his wife to the virus, Peter sought support from a Scottish Covid-19 Facebook support group and quickly became a moderator of the social media page.
He then helped to organise the county’s participation in the Covid-19 memorial light up, and asked that several buildings and monuments shone yellow on March 23 in memory of those who have lost their lives to the virus.
Peter said: “It was important to get involved with the Facebook page and to push places to light up yellow to remember the thousands of people across the UK who have died due to Covid-19 over the last 12 months.
“We were really proud that places like Motherwell Civic Centre and Hamilton Townhouse lit up on March 23 and we have spoken to Hamilton Accies Football Club too regarding a potential minute’s silence at their next game.”