The widow of late Scottish football legend Walter Smith has presented the cancer unit that cared for him with one of the biggest donations in its history.
Alexandria’s Vale of Leven Hospital was awarded a cheque for £50,000 from the Emmie Smillie Foundation in a fitting tribute to the Scotland and Rangers manager.
His wife Ethel Smith nominated the Vale cancer unit where the sporting great received treatment before passing away five years ago today on October 26, 2021.
The generous donation will be used to enhance facilities at the unit and improve the experience of patients from across the west of Scotland receiving treatment there.
The bumper cheque was presented to the unit’s Charge Nurse June Raines and Gerry O’Hare, a former Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Vale unit who cared for Walter during his treatment and supported Ethel and the Smith family.
Ethel said: “When I was asked where I would like the money to go, I had no hesitation in nominating the unit here at the Vale.
“Walter received treatment here, so it felt fitting as a thank you for the care we received from the unit and the hospital in general.
“I’m so glad the money will be used here. We have personal experience of what the hospital does for the local community, and this donation is part of recognising that.”
Gerry O’Hare, who now works part-time at the Beatson in Glasgow, said: “Having worked at the Vale and knowing personally how much the unit meant to Walter and his family, it is wonderful to see such a significant donation coming back to support its patients.
“I know just how important this service is to the local community, and I’m delighted the Foundation’s generosity will help it continue to make a difference.”
The haematology-oncology unit provides day care for patients, allowing people to receive treatment at the Vale and return home without an overnight stay.
It has 12 treatment chairs and a phlebotomy unit, and provides chemotherapy, blood transfusions and support to manage symptoms associated with cancer and blood-borne diseases. The oncology unit treats people with a range of malignant and non-malignant conditions, including patients with breast and lung cancer.
The Emmie Smillie Foundation raises money to support cancer services across Scotland through a range of fundraising events and was established by businessman Andy Smillie whose daughter lost her life to cancer.
June Raines said: “We are extremely grateful to the Emmie Smillie Foundation for this donation. Our unit is very much part of the community, and being able to provide treatment here means many patients can receive their care close to home.
“This £50,000 will allow us to enhance the facilities we provide and, most importantly, help make the experience of patients coming here for treatment that little bit easier.”