Remembering what life and love is all about
JAMES GILLES
87, was a gunner in the 72 Regiment Royal Artillery, based out of Hong Kong, where his mission was to defend Kai Tak Airport. He lives in an Assisted Living flat at Erskine. He is from a military family who served in both World War I and II. “People should be more tolerant. In the words of Burns, ‘Then gently scan your brother man, Still gentler sister woman; Tho’ they may gang a kennin wrang,
To step aside is human.’”
ANNA PORTERFIELD
96, a Veteran’s spouse and Erskine Home resident. She was married to Robert, who was with the Royal and Electrical Mechanical Engineers s from 1942 2 to 1945.
JEAN McLEARIE
94, a Veteran’s spouse and Erskine Home resident. Jean was married to James McGowan McLearie, one of the Cameron Highlanders and a Commando from 1939 to 1946.
DEREK BARRON
A trained mental health nurse and Director of Care at Erskine. “When I’m fed up with the pandemic and what we’re being asked to do, I think of the Veterans here – they didn’t get the choice to be fed up a few months after the war, they had to carry on year after year. That sense of duty to others inspires me.”
LILIAS HOLMES
94, a Veteran’s spouse and former theatre nurse at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, loves taking part in Erskine’s Sporting
Senior Games. She was married to Alexander Davidson Holmes, part of the Royal Army Service Corps from 1939-1946.
BILL McDOWALL
59, Royal Scots Guards, suffered PTSD after serving in Northern Ireland and the Falklands. He lives in an Erskine cottage and works as their IT manager. “Asking for help when you need it can be the bravest thing of all. The stronger person will put their pride aside and overcome the fear of asking for help.
“In the trials and tribulations of life, don’t be measured by the ups and downs but rather how well you respond to them.
“Also, find a purpose. Mine is my German Shepherd Jackson, who gives me a purpose every day.”
JOHN STONHAM
36, suffered catastrophic injuries serving in Iraq. He lives in Erskine’s Veterans Village. “Lying dying on that road in Iraq looking up at the stars taught me that life is short and precious. It’s about making memories with your loved ones as all my happy memories helped comfort me before I thought I was about to leave this world.”
NETTA CLUCAS
89, was a teleprinter operator in the RAF and thoroughly enjoyed her time in the services. She is a resident on the Erskine estate. “When it comes to your birthday, you’re just a day older. Age is just a number. Forget the years. Count the days. You’re a day younger than tomorrow.”
DANNY MAVOR
35, was in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. He was paralysed from the shoulders down in a motorcycle accident. He lives in an Erskine Home and is studying computer science. “Every morning I wake up and tell myself I’ll be happy. It helps to be in a positive mindset from the get-go. Accept issues I have as a challenge to overcome.”
IAN CUMMING
Erskine’s Chief Executive “Stick to your moral compass and let it guide you as a force for good. Courage and integrity go hand in hand. You need them not only in war but throughout your life.”