Heather is a star and top mum
A Rutherglen mum who is bringing up two daughters alone after the tragic death of her husband has been honoured for the tireless work she does for her girls’ school.
Heather MacDuff, 49, was devastated when her husband, Gordon, suffered a fatal heart attack while out for a Saturday morning walk along King’s Park Avenue in February 2014.
Keen footballer Gordon, who played for Rutherglen Amateurs over-40s, was only 43 when he died, leaving her to bring up their young daughters, Aimee, now 10, and seven-year-old Chloe.
Heather threw herself into school life at Bankhead Primary, where she is a volunteer supervisor with the pupils’ credit union and also chairperson of the school’s parent council, Friends of Bankhead.
Heather organises fundraising activities, including the recent Christmas fayre, outings and cinema trips.
Maggie McKinnie, whose children Connor, 10, and eight-year-old Emily also attend Bankhead Primary, is so full of admiration for her friend Heather, that she nominated her for the Reformer’s Say it with Flowers feature.
Describing Heather as “an amazing woman,” Maggie told us: “She is always helping at the school.
“She helps to do the credit union every Thursday, goes on school trips and has even helped in the office when they’re short staffed and it’s all voluntary.
“It would be nice for her to know that it’s appreciated by everyone. She does all this and still manages to work part-time. She really is amazing.”
On top of all her voluntary work and her job as an administrator at Stanley Security in Paisley, Heather organises an annual fundraiser in memory of her late husband, Gordon at the 347 Masonic Hall in Melrose Avenue.
Over the years, her memorial charity nights have raised more than £10,000.
The funds raised, thanks to the generosity of Heather and Gordon’s family and friends, are always split between the British Heart Foundation and Sands in tribute to the couple’s baby son, George, who died at the age of 24 weeks in 2007.
Presenting Heather with a stunning bouquet by talented florist Janet Freeman, owner of Stems of Burnside, Maggie told her: “You are a single mum and do everything for the weans and everything for the school, as well as working. You should know just how much you’re appreciated.”
Dabbing her eyes and hugging her friend, Heather said: “I am really taken aback. Nobody has done anything like this before.
“All I am doing is helping out the school my kids go to. My kids are my life.”
Heather also paid tribute to her dad, David Douglas, of Cambuslang, who plays a massive role in her family.
Bankhead Primary head teacher, Gerry Hamill, was also full of praise for the super mum’s efforts.
“Heather is a great supporter of the school, from doing the credit union, to being chair of the parent council,” he said.
“She is always willing and able to offer support.
“She is a huge part of the school and we value her contribution very much.”