Gers hero pays tribute to girl’s legacy of love
Football legend sees impact of daughter’s efforts
RANGERS legend Willie Henderson has paid tribute to his daughter after visiting a cancer unit upgraded thanks to her fundraising efforts.
Henderson’s daughter Michelle was diagnosed with cervical cancer in October 2010, and died on her 28th birthday in 2012.
Before her death, however, she set up the Michelle Henderson Cervical Cancer Trust to give back to those who had helped her during her treatment and in turn raise funds towards hospital equipment, medicines and support groups for women suffering from the illness.
Now two cervical cancer treatment rooms at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre have been renovated following a donation from
Michelle’s trust. Beatson Cancer Charity used the £11,050 donation to turn the rooms into better spaces for patients to be treated in – which Willie Henderson visited yesterday for the first time.
Willie, now 77, remembered by Rangers fans as a legendary winger, said: “Even when Michelle was battling for her life, being the type of person that she was, she was always thinking of other people. She founded the Trust to prevent other mothers and fathers from going through the same as myself and my wife Veronica go through every day. “It’s amazing to see the rooms today and see the impact that Michelle’s trust will have on other patients.” Patients undergo cervical cancer treatment for 24 hours at one time, and come in twice in a fortnight to receive the treatment. The newly refurbished rooms mean this treatment can be carried out in a more pleasant and relaxing environment. Mel White, Beatson ward manager, said: “The rooms are more comfortable and calming ...it’s non-clinical – it’s a bit like a bedroom, and they just relax as soon as they’re here. “Patients are completely bedridden for 24 hours and have to lie flat, so it’s been a godsend for them.”