Article Source: East Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 15 December 2016 16:59
The award was set up by Provost Alastair Carmichael to thank and acknowledge East Renfrewshire’s unsung heroes and heroines who go above and beyond to make a positive impact on their community.
This year’s winner, Lorna Preece, picked up the award for her work keeping older people - particularly cancer rehab and cardiac arrest patients - active with dedicated vitality classes.
Provost Alastair Carmichael said: “I meet people every week who are going above and beyond and are really making a difference in our community and Lorna is certainly one of them.
“For nearly 10 years, she has dedicated herself to ensuring her clients are well-informed of local activity, can access services and they are safe and catered for in their own homes.
“Her acts of kindness are squeezed into her busy working day. From organising car-sharing and pick-ups when her class was moved to temporary premises, picking up her clients and dropping them off to ensure they can make her class and also visiting her clients’ homes are just part of the normal routine. She does it all just to make sure they have everything they need and to offer any help they need round the house.”
Another heart-warming act of kindness shown by Lorna, which was revealed whilst picking up her award at the Council Chamber, was when she invited two older gentlemen from her class to spend Christmas with her family as they were going to be spending the day alone.
The 45-year-old said: “I feel very grateful to receive this award. I had no idea I had been nominated and it was such a big and pleasant surprise. I believe there is too much loneliness in this world and we all have to do our bit to help.”
Cath Fairlie, who nominated Lorna for this award and attends the classes, said: “I know that this caring attitude extends to all areas of Lorna’s life and if help is needed she is always ready to drop what she is doing and go to anyone’s assistance.”
Lorna was presented with her award in front of a packed Council meeting on Wednesday 14 December 2016.
Provost Carmichael added: “On behalf of the people of East Renfrewshire and especially her fitness class, I am delighted to recognise Lorna for her selfless and dedicated attitude to helping these people and being an inspiring member of our community. She truly deserves to be our Citizen of the Year.”
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