Huntly volunteers providing 'a lifeline' and doing 'fabulous work'
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A HUNTLY event has thanked two volunteers for their amazing work in the town.
On Friday, June 16, Debbie Morrison, from Huntly Marie Curie, and Norman Kinnaird, from the Huntly Community Minibus, received certificates for their dedicated service to the community.
Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action (AVA) recognised the pair at an Oot and Aboot roadshow event in Huntly to celebrate Volunteer Week, which took place earlier in June.
The roadshow brought community groups together at nine events throughout Aberdeenshire.
AVA lead development officer Sharon Francis said the Huntly event, part of her first roadshow since joining AVA, "went really well" and brought a real buzz to Square Deal.
She also praised Ms Morrison's "fabulous work" with Marie Curie Huntly and said Mr Kinnaird's near-decade of minibus driving, and involvement in community Christmas lunches, were "a lifeline" to the community.
Ms Morrison said: "A massive thank you to Sharon for nominating me.
"But it isn't just me that's behind Marie Curie Huntly – it is all the other members too.
"If it wasn't for the whole team, we just couldn't do it.
"We call ourselves: 'a yellow family'. It's quite cute, really.
"And we're always providing each other with emotional support and everything else.
"It's more than just a fundraising committee – it really is a family."
Mr Kinnaird had to stop driving the Huntly Community Minibus in January, after nearly nine years, when his leg was amputated.
He heard about AVA's plan to give him an award during his four month stint recovering in hospital, split between Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Woodend Hospital.
And, although it has been upsetting to stop driving the bus, he said he appreciated having the event to look forward to during his last days in hospital.
"I want to thank the AVA very much for their award," Mr Kinnaird said.
"They sent me the dates, I found out my release date and I just thought: 'I can actually be there.'
"It was a good day out as well, and I even got my cuppa."
He also thanked three members of the Vascular Occupational Therapy team, who supported his rehabilitation: Mary Duguid, Aaron Moran and Victoria Morrison.
"Those three went through hell with me, getting me back up walking.
"I can't fault the staff at Aberdeen, they were brilliant.
"And I can't fault the NHS generally at all."
As well as recognising volunteers, the event also gave community groups a chance to meet face-to-face.
It was attended by Prenumbra, MCR Pathways, Networks of Wellbeing, Home Start Garioch, Deveron Projects, Gordon Rural Action, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action, Nescan Hub and Turning Point Scotland.
Turning Point Scotland, and alcohol and drug charity, also provided free training on administering naloxone – a medication that can stop overdoses.
Ms Francis: "It was just great to have all the organisations come together – really good.
"We're all in the Third Sector because every one of us is a people person.
"And we like having that connection.
"I want to pass on a big thank you to the organisations that attended.
"And, as it is a big part of my role, I'm already planning next year's roadshow."
