Picture: Becky Saunderson. Image No.042827
IT was time for fresh faces while saying farewell to a stalwart servant at Seafield Hospital and Muirton Ward. Last Thursday saw the Friends of Seafield Hospital on hand to present Christmas gifts to the patients in what is an eagerly awaited annual event. Joining the team again this year were youngsters from Cluny Primary. There was also a poignant moment to this year’s present giving as the Friends wished their chairman Alistair Robson all the best as he stood down from the post he had held for the last 15 years.
Hailing the presence of the youngsters, Mr Robson told the Advertiser: “One of our members is a teacher so last year we had six pupils from Cluny come up and help us dish out the parcels. “It went very well, I’ve never seen so many smiles from people who’re unwell. “After handing out presents in both the hospital and Muirton Ward it was off for a cup of tea and a sandwich. “It’s great to see young people getting involved like this.” The event was also to be Mr Robson’s last act as Friends chairman. “I’ve been doing this for 15 years now and I decided it was time for fresh blood, someone younger with new ideas,” he continued.
“I first got involved about 16 years ago after I had gone through a total of six operations at Dr Gray’s Hospital. “They treated me very well and I thought to myself ‘It’s payback time, I’ve got to do something to help them’. “The Friends were looking for volunteers so I joined up and around a year later I was asked to be chairman. “Overall, I don’t think we’ve done too badly. “The money which has been donated to us has been well-used and when Seafield have asked us for a piece of equipment we’ve generally been able to give it to them. “We don’t do as much fundraising as we used
to due to the amount of donations we receive. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped or contributed over the years and wish everyone all the best for the coming year.” No successor to Mr Robson has, at the time of going to press, been appointed.