Marion Callaghan, worked for Swagelok as finance director for a number of years. Those who knew her, knew her as a pure livewire; the type of person you would hear before you saw. She had the most infectious laugh and was often described as an individual with a true thirst for life. Marion sadly died on July 15, 2014 after being diagnosed with lung cancer a year previously. Throughout her battle, Marion and husband Terry still enjoyed holidays abroad and weekends away along with other family members. These breaks were self-funded, but not all victims have this option, as cancer often brings financial hardship. It was with this thought in mind that the charity ‘Marion’s Still Smiling’ was established.
Marion's Still Smiling raises funds by various methods to allow terminally ill cancer patients and their families in the West of Scotland to go on short holiday and mini breaks. Three venues have been identified; Seamill Hydro, Auchrannie in Ayrshire, and Piperdam in Tayside.
The charity states they are delighted to be working in partnership with NHS Ayrshire and Arran at Crosshouse and Ayr hospitals. Senior staff at both hospitals will identify suitable candidates for the breaks on offer.
Marion’s Still Smiling aims to bring a smile and a little bit of laughter into people’s lives at such worrying and troubled times. The organisation is in relative infancy, having started fundraising in October 2014. In spite of this, a cheque was last month we presented to Crosshouse Hospital for £25,000, proving the extent of their efforts.
The next step is to host a fundraising Gala Ball on Friday, September 18 at Seamill Hydro. The team behind Marion’s Still Smiling extend a warm invite to join and support the evening. Donations for the raffle draw or any suitable prizes that could be auctioned off on the evening are also welcome.
If you wish to donate a raffle prize or an item for auction, please contact louise.oconnor@swagelok.com with confirmation. It is kindly requested that all donations reach the Swagelok premises by Friday, September 5, addressed as follows.
Swagelok Scotland
3 Spiersbridge Business Park
Spiersbridge Way
Thornliebank
Glasgow
G46 8NG