Cathie's 21-year contribution to charity shop earns top honour
LINLITHGOW volunteer Cathie Irvine has received a national award from Cancer Research UK for her outstanding contribution to the charity's work.
Mrs Irvine has dedicated the last two decades to raising money for research into cancer. And now the Linlithgow pensioner has been rewarded by the charity.
The organisation Cancer Research UK named her an honorary fellow of the charity at a glamorous event in London – 21 years after she helped open its shop in the West Lothian town.
Not only was she pivotal in creating the outlet on Linlithgow's High Street, but she regularly volunteers in it.
Officials at the charity – which has significantly increased its presence in Scotland in recent years – described Mrs Irvine as "an inspiration to others for more than 21 years".
She was presented with the award by charity chairman David Newbigging at the Russell Hotel during the annual Flame of Hope awards, aimed at recognising fundraisers and volunteers across Great Britain.
Mrs Irvine was humble about her role in raising tens of thousands of pounds for the cause, arguing that the pleasure she received from working with the organisation was equal to the benefits she brought it.
She said: "I'm thrilled to receive this award, but really I enjoy volunteering in the shop so much, and helping raise funds for research into cancer is so important, that it's a genuine pleasure.
"The people I work alongside are wonderful and I won't pass up an opportunity to get involved or help out."
Charity chiefs at the bash were particularly complimentary about her loyalty since the shop opened in the late 1980s.
The charity's chief executive, Harpal Kumar, paid tribute to Mrs Irvine's volunteer work.
He said: "Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer.
"We have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters like Cathie, without whom we would not be able to fund outstanding scientists, doctors and nurses.
"Our Flame of Hope awards give us the opportunity to celebrate and say thank you to these enormously generous volunteers and supporters for the fantastic work they do."
Edinburgh spokesman John Fyall added: "These awards are our way of saying thanks to the people who are the lifeblood of our organisation – people who give their time freely to raise money for research and promote greater awareness of the disease, and yet ask for nothing in return."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Bathgate
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South west
