Grieving family launch appeal for Buckie hospital staff after Elgin gran's coronavirus death
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THE grieving family of a 91-year-old Elgin woman claimed by coronavirus are raising cash to thank the staff of a Buckie hospital who cared for her so attentively in her final weeks.
An online funeral will be held for Nancy Christie this Thursday, May 21 – which would have been the much-loved mum's 92nd birthday.
Nancy's son, Hamish Christie, who now lives in Silloth, Cumbria, after moving from Fogwatt last year, has launched a GoFundMe appeal alongside other family members.
The family has set a target to raise £750 which is to be split equally between all 65 staff at Seafield Hospital, from cleaners and receptionists to nurses and doctors.
Nancy suffered a stroke on April 1. She subsequently contracted the virus and died on Thursday, May 14, at Seafield Hospital.
The grandmother had spent a short period initially at Dr Gray's Hospital before being transferred to Buckie.
The already overstretched nursing staff took time to ensure that the family – unable to visit amidst the pandemic – were able to Skype call Nancy regularly.
Hamish said the staff went above and beyond to make the family contact possible. He added that on occasions when calls could not be arranged, nurses switched to the role of visitor during their tea breaks, with patient comfort their overriding priority.
He added: "The only way we knew she had the virus was because she was tested in hospital – but she never had a fever or displayed any symptoms.
"We appreciate everything the hospital did for her, and where she caught the virus is not of major concern to us.
"The death was recorded as coronavirus with underlying stroke."
Hamish said: "As a family we decided to show our appreciation to some of Moray’s local heroes – the staff at Seafield Hospital in Buckie.
"This is in recognition of their unselfish work caring for our loved ones in such difficult circumstances, while risking contracting the virus themselves.
"We decided not to raise money for the under-funded NHS – which is not a charity and should not have to rely on public donations to keep it afloat – but to all the staff at Seafield Hospital in Buckie."
Hamish said his mum was "a remarkable person, always smiling, reminiscing stories, showing devotion to her family and thinking of others".
Originally from Burghead, Nancy's home for the last three decades was in Elgin's Priory Place. Married to Ernie Christie for more than 60 years, the couple had three children, Iain, Hamish and June, who were all brought up in Burghead. Nancy was widowed five years ago.
The keen charity supporter worked to raise funds for local causes in Burghead and Elgin through party plans, social events and donations.
The family's appeal has so far raised £355 and Hamish added: "Hopefully, with the public’s support, we can give them something back for all their dedication to our vulnerable family members.
"The staff deserve all they get – and a lot more."
Nancy also leaves behind grandchildren Laura, Billy, Terry, Scott and Sean. A sixth grandchild, Hamish's son, Craig, passed away in 2003 after a heart operation in Miami.
Graham Rattray Funeral Directors of Lossiemouth has organised Nancy's funeral to take place at 11am on Thursday, May 21.
To donate to the GoFundMe Nancy Christie Fund For Seafield Hospital Staff visit here.
