Say it with flowers
Support worker’s joy at Say it with Flowers nomination
A young Rutherglen woman, who trusts her support worker with all her heart, has said an emotional thank you to“a very special lady.”
Claire Carberry, 28, has received support and encouragement from community support worker Maureen Clayton for the past eight years.
Until Maureen came into her life, Claire admits she was withdrawn, lacked confidence and rarely ventured out.
Thanks to Maureen’s faith in her, Claire now volunteers every day of the week, helping people with additional support needs to socialise, have fun and enjoy life to the full.
Maureen gained Claire’s trust in an instant and gave her a new outlook on life.
Claire wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to Maureen not only for what she does professionally, but also for the time she donates as a volunteer within her local community – so she nominated Maureen for a beautiful bouquet from contemporary luxury florist Stems of Burnside in the Reformer’s Say it with Flowers competition.
When we contacted her to let her know her nomination was successful, a thrilled Claire got to work on a speech which she planned to deliver at the Thursday Show Affs drama and music group in St Bride’s Church, Cambuslang, for people with additional support needs.
A hush fell over the hall while Claire took the mic and told the group’s 40 members why she had chosen to nominate support worker Maureen for the beautiful blooms.
Expressing her gratitude for all Maureen does for her, Claire confidently took centre stage to tell the group: “My support worker, Maureen Clayton, always has a smile on her face, no matter what life gives her.
“She is always there for everyone else. I think she is a very special lady.
“It is really hard for me to trust people, but the moment I met Maureen, I knew in my head I could trust her.
“And the more I get to know her, the more I can trust her with all of my heart. I know she deserves this nomination.”
And Claire told Maureen: “Thanks, Maureen, for everything you have done for me, and for all the hard work you put in during your free time at St Bride’s RC Church and at the Wednesday club night.
“Always remember, you are a very special lady to me, and everyone else who knows you.”
Claire handed over the Stems bouquet to cheers and a round of applause from group members.
Expressing her delight at Claire’s thoughtful gesture, 47-year-old Maureen, of Cambuslang, said: “Claire wasn’t involved in any community groups before, but now she gets involved in volunteering every day and gives a lot back to the community by helping out at Halloween parties, Christmas parties and pensioners’ dinners. I think she’s just great!”