Cancer Research professor leads the way in honours list
A Wishaw professor has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List for her work in the fight against cancer.
Professor Margaret Frame received the prestigious gong for services to cancer research.
Mum-of-three Margaret is the science director of the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre which brings together cancer scientists and clinicians from across the University of Edinburgh, delivering outstanding cancer research and improved patient care.
She said: “I was genuinely very surprised; it was completely unexpected.
“The OBE is up there with other professional achievements and it is definitely very nice to be recognised for the work that my team does.
“It wasn’t too difficult to keep it a secret but I admit to telling my three sons, and they managed to keep it confidential.”
Born and raised in nearby Carluke, Margaret graduated with a first class honours BSc in Biochemistry, followed by a PhD from the Medical Faculty, both at the University of Glasgow.
She worked for a brief period in industry, and then joined the MRC Virology Unit in Glasgow as a postdoctoral scientist until 1987.
After time off for family, she returned to work at the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research in 1991, first as a postdoc and then subsequently as a group leader.
In 1995, she was jointly appointed as Professor of Cancer Research in the Faculty of Biological Sciences at the University of Glasgow and the Beatson Institute, where she became Deputy Director in 2002.
She was awarded the Tenovus Medal in 1999 for her work on Src family kinases, was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2002, an EMBO Member in 2008 and a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences in 2010.
Margaret joined the new MRCUniversity of Edinburgh Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine in October 2007.
She co- directs the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre in Edinburgh University’s College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, with the role of science director in the recently established Cancer Research UK Centre from January 2010.
Motherwell mum of three Veronica McDonald, who has devoted 36 years to making a difference to the lives of people who have a learning disability, has been rewarded with the British Empire Medal.
Veronica, 62, of North Lodge, was among a small group of volunteers who founded the Firpark Alma Club in 1981.
The group’s 35 members meet every Monday evening in Firpark Secondary School to socialise in a kind and caring environment in which they can be happy and feel safe.
Team leader Veronica says she was surprised and thrilled to received news of the honour in recognition of services to adults with special needs.
“The club, which is one of five Alma Clubs, is like a family,” said Veronica, who has no idea who nominated her for the award.
“More than half of the members have been coming since the club was founded and I knew some of them even before then. That is their social life on a Monday evening and it is mine too and the other helpers would say the same. Members make friends and meet each other outwith the Mondays. It is a great support network for them and a big part of their lives.”
Muirhouse Girls’ Brigade leader Elizabeth Blades also bagged a British Empire Medal for services to young people and the community in Motherwell.
Elizabeth, who lives in Carluke, is the captain of the 5th Motherwell Girls Brigade based in St Margaret’s Church Hall in Baron’s Road.