Gary is continuing his mum’s work
Recently I attended the fantabulous Purple Ball.
I was invited by organiser Gary Maguire who set up this event in memory of his late mother Maggie Maguire.
Maggie was brought up in Kinning Park.
She married her husband Robert at the age of 19 and they went on to have five children.
In 1992, after the tragic death of her husband, Maggie took on five different jobs at once to ensure they didn’t ever go without.
In 2001 Maggie suffered renal failure and was diagnosed with Familial Amyloidosis, a rare genetic disorder affecting 1/100,000 families worldwide.
As a hereditary disease,sadly it had already claimed the life of her brother George Boyle and her sister Pauline McCartney.
Research showed that this illness had been killing the family for generations.
For over nine years Maggie was a patient at the Western Infirmary, Gartnavel General and latterly the New Victoria Hospital where she made friends with other patients, nurses and consultants.
I spoke to Gary about his inspiration behind the Purple ball and he spoke so fondly of his ‘incredible’ mum:
He told me: “Mum knew that there was a 50/50 chance that one day this disease could affect her children and the children of her siblings and wanted to make sure that her pain and suffering was not in vain.
“In doing so she regularly participated in research studies in London to help gain a better understanding of this disease and maybe one day find a cure.
“On July 4, 2012 the family were told that there was nothing more that could be done for mum and arrangements were to be made for palliative care.
“Later that day mum passed away at the Western Infirmary surrounded by her boys and close family and friends.
“Mum is the inspiration for the Purple Ball and as her son, supported by family and close friends, I’ve become the driving force to make this ball happen.
“I want to continue my mum’s work in better understanding this disease and I understand that the only way to do this is by continuing to support and invest in kidney research.”
Last year Gary and his team were asked to get involved in helping fundraise for the Dialysis Unit for Bute Campaign, which aims to raise £300,000 to establish a renal unit on the island, ending the gruelling journey patients had to make to Glasgow or Greenock by ferry three times a week for life sustaining treatment.
The Purple Ball committee wanted to show their support and so they donated £3000 this year with the commitment to keep fundraising to help them.
I think we can safely say that Gary is indeed continuing his mum’s work and more, so huge congratulations to him and his lovely team for creating such an incredible event, raising money for a cause so dear to them and carrying on the mission of what sounds like a wonderful, strong lady who loved him and his siblings so very much.
I’ve just returned not long ago from an amazing break in Tulum, Mexico, which is about an hour south of Cancun.
My hubby and I stayed at the gorgeous Catalonia Royal Hotel and Spa and it was absolutely stunning.
Hammocks on the beach, cocktails and a really large pool with great big comfy loungers. It was a really lovely, peaceful resort. Anyone looking for a relaxing break around that area I would absolutely recommend this hotel for the ultimate chill out.
“Alone we can do so little ; Together we can do so much.”
Helen Keller