Clan Cancer Support’s long serving gardening volunteers have retired after transforming the charity’s outdoor area in Aberdeen into an award-winning green space for people affected by cancer.
Moira Cameron and Shonagh McFadyen have been volunteering at Clan for a combined total of more than 14 years and tended to the garden at the charity’s headquarters on Aberdeen’s Westburn Road for the final time this week.
Moira took up the volunteering position in 2013 after retiring as a teacher from Elrick Primary School in Westhill.
One of her first tasks was to prepare the charity’s garden after the 2011 opening of Clan House and its adjoining bed and breakfast facility, Clan Haven, which offers affordable accommodation to anyone travelling to Aberdeen for hospital treatments.
Moira recalled the outdoor space being completely undeveloped.
She said: “The first thing I did was plant three containers with summer bedding. In one of them l planted sweet peas growing up canes. One lady who was staying at Clan Haven commented that she’d like to plant them in her garden the following year.
“Her husband told me that was the first time she had made any comments about the future. That’s when l realised that the garden could offer so much more to the clients than just somewhere nice to sit.”
Moira has worked in the garden with fellow volunteer Shonagh who has been generously giving her time to the charity since 2018 after retiring as a HR business partner in the energy sector.
Shonagh added: “In the time I have been with Clan I have felt a connection with the garden. It's given me the motivation to work hard and ensure everything looks its best for the clients, visitors and staff to enjoy. I’ve enjoyed working on new plans each year to make sure the area looked fresh. ”
The green-fingered duo have contributed to transformational projects including the development of a sensory garden, thanks to funding from Aberdeen Standard Investments Charitable Foundation and TechnipFMC, and a secluded patio area which was designed for wheelchair users to enjoy.
Moira and Shonagh’s hard work and expertise has been recognised with several local and national awards for the Clan garden with numerous Aberdeen in Bloom prizes including Aberdeen Communities Together and Wright Sustainability Award and a Keep Scotland Beautiful award in 2021.
Claire Mechie, volunteer manager at Clan Cancer Support, said: “Without Moira and Shonagh’s support we would not have such a coveted green space at Clan House. Both volunteers have worked tirelessly and shown real creativity to provide such a tranquil and welcoming garden for thousands of our clients over the years.
“We are incredibly grateful for their exceptional service to Clan and wish them all the best for the future.”
The charity is now on the lookout for volunteers to continue improving the garden facilities at Clan House in Aberdeen, with candidates required to offer two – three hours of their time either weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
Claire added: “We are now looking for keen gardeners to join our team of volunteers to maintain, develop and protect our garden to ensure it remains a relaxing and welcoming environment for Clan’s clients and residents of our Haven bed and breakfast facility.
“This is a fulfilling role and a great opportunity for those who enjoy working outdoors. All of our volunteers receive extensive training and can play an important role in supporting local people affected by a cancer diagnosis.”
For more information, please email clancancersupport.org or call 01224 647 000 and ask to speak with Claire Mechie.