The family of a patient being cared for in the Specialist Rehabilitation Unit (Thistle Suite) in the Bellfield Centre at Stirling Health and Care Village were so grateful for the care and support provided by local staff that they have raised more than £3,700 for the Unit.
Donald Macdonald was transferred to the Unit in May 2023 after he experienced a stroke. His daughters Lauren and Rhona Macdonald, niece Kirsten Macdonald and wife Mary-Jane recently visited the Unit to present staff with a cheque which will be used to improve outdoor areas for patients and local families.
Lauren Macdonald said: “My dad had a rare spinal stroke in October 2022 and it completely turned all our lives upside down. My dad was transferred to the rehabilitation unit in May 2023 and we really do believe they saved his life and all of us. Every single member of the team have made us all feel welcome, cared for and loved.
“Every day they show us what true care and compassion looks like and go above and beyond to give my dad the very best care. They have created an amazing unit that truly is a safe place for their patients and their families, for that we will be forever grateful.
“There aren’t many words we could have said to express our appreciation for what they’ve done for my dad so we decided to raise money to furnish the balcony area. We wanted families and patients who were in similar situations to my dad, who couldn’t be together at home with their families to have a safe and welcoming outdoor area to enjoy.
“My sister, my cousins and I decided to run a 10k on behalf of my dad with an aim of raising £500. We set up a Just Giving page and shared it on social media. The donations started flooding in and we were blown away by the generosity of our family, friends and colleagues. I think the amount we raised is a true testament to the man my dad is, how much he is loved, and how much people care for him. We are very fortunate to have the incredible support team that we have.”
Lynn Paterson, the Senior Staff Nurse for the Specialist Rehabilitation Unit, said: “We are really grateful to Lauren and her family for this very generous donation which will help improve facilities and enhance outdoor areas for local patients and their families.”
