Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Award for charity who supported Georgina in dark time
IAN BUNTING
Georgina Lochrane’s whole world came crashing down when her six year- old daughter Alesha MacPhail was murdered last summer.
As she struggled to cope, the devastated Airdrie mum, 24, turned to FAMS – a Lanarkshire-based charity that supports anyone who is affected by murder and suicide.
Georgina credits FAMS with getting her through her “darkest days” following Alesha’s murder on the Isle of Bute.
They also supported her during the trial that saw Alesha’s killer Aaron Campbell sentenced to a minimum of 27 years in jail and then reveal he was launching an appeal against the sentence.
The charity’s incredible volunteers, who have all been personally affected by murder or suicide, were named overall winners at the Advertiser’s sister paper the Sunday Mail’s first Scotland’s Champions Awards.
Georgina said: “It has been so hard – every day for me is a real struggle. I don’t know where I would be without everyone at FAMS.
“They have been fantastic and have helped me through the darkest of days.
“They’ve helped me find a strength inside me that I didn’t know existed and supported me along a very long road; and showed me a light at the end of a very dark tunnel.
“I can’t emphasise just how loving and caring they are. They have been there for me 24/7, both in person and on the end of the phone.
“They were by my side throughout the trial.
“Words cannot describe just how amazing these wonderful people are.
“Hopefully, I will be able to give something back in the future by becoming a volunteer.”
FAMS was set up by Lanarkshire mums Ann Marie Cocozza, Roslyn McGilvray and Meg McCloy in 2013 after they all lost someone close to them through suicide or murder.
Refusing to let the grief and tragedy define them, the three determined survivors came together and have helped many families cope with their personal losses ever since.
After receiving their award to thunderous applause, proud Ann Marie said: “I can’t believe it. We feel truly honoured.
“FAMS is truly a unique charity in that every one of our 51 volunteers has been personally affected by murder, suicide, suicidal thoughts or behaviour.
“Our experience and empathy makes FAMS a safe, loving, non-judgemental and confidential place for people like Georgina to find support and sanctuary.”
Sunday Mail editor Brendan McGinty said: “Champions come in every shape and every size.
“Extraordinary people emerge from all backgrounds. They rarely seek attention, yet what they do changes and transforms the lives of others – whether that’s in one simple act or in a lifetime’s work.
“Scotland’s Champions is a celebration of all of their achievements.”
Jem Maidment, director of marketing and communications of Utilita Energy, said: “It was an honour to be part of Scotland’s Champions and shine a light on unsung heroes from across this great nation.
“To hear so many inspirational stories was humbling.”