Red Cross heroine Fay is honoured

A British Red Cross volunteer who has worked with the charity at the old Bridge of Weir hospital is to be recognised for her work.

Fay Laurie, below, has volunteered for the British Red Cross for more than 40 years.

She is to be awarded a special edition commemorative coin for her outstanding contribution to volunteering as the charity celebrates its 150th birthday on August 4.

A widow of a former GP, Fay started off by supporting the charity’s work in local hospitals including the hospital in Bridge of Weir and the Glasgow Royal Infirmary where she worked on a medical camouflage service for patients before becoming a first aid trainer.

She was then asked to help with a new project helping newly-arrived refugees in Glasgow trace their loved ones and families who had been split up as a result of conflict, natural disaster or migration. That was nearly 20 years ago, and she continues in this role to the present day.

Coordinator Cole Harrop, from the refugee centre, said:“As a long-standing volunteer, Fay brings a vast amount of experience to Family Tracing in Scotland.

“Her compassion, dedication and determination in helping service users over the last 40-plus years is inspirational.”

Fay, from Kilmacolm, and Bashir Al-arefi who works as an interpreter for the charity in Glasgow, will receive two of the 150 uncirculated £5 coins donated by the Royal Mint to British Red Cross volunteers.