Hi everyone

This year the Scottish charity I am proud to work for is celebrating 40 for 40 Years of Care. This is an incredible achievement and I have decided to mark our milestone birthday in memory of my beautiful big sister Polly who would have turned 40 next year. 

As a young adult Polly received support from Cornerstone to move into a wonderful specially adapted house in Stonehaven and received around the clock care. The team was small and committed. They never made it feel like a job to our family and were there every day and night without fail. She had Cerebral Palsy and epilepsy which put many restrictions on the life she led and which resulted in many hospital admissions, operations, and often lots of pain. But she was so much more than this. She was strong. And busy. And led a happy and full life. She was so so happy. She had a beautiful smile and great sense of humour. She loved music, drama and people falling over, Westlife and sweet things. She was clever and had incredible strength. She was popular and loved by everyone who knew her. And she would have loved her nieces and nephews so much and to have heckled at my wedding!

When a management position came up in North Lanarkshire in 2012 I applied, not realising that 3 months later she would be receiving end of life care due to complications with her health. Her friends and family at Cornerstone were all around us throughout this time, and that care is still something I find difficult to put into words. Her life and experiences have defined the career I have had in social care and the values I hold. I have loved going to events through work and bumping into Polly’s friends and old staff team. This was something I used to find really emotional and difficult but has come to be incredibly important in remembering her. I can’t really imagine what another career path would be for me.

The money I raise from donations and activities throughout the year ahead will go to Cornerstone services who need it most. I am specifically hoping to raise some funds to donate to our sibling groups. My own brother, sister and I would have benefitted massively from peer support when we were younger to help us understand the impact disability can have on a family. And how to manage grief and the loss of that person when lifelong health conditions do decline. And to have family holidays together. I would really love it if more families were able to make more happy memories together as a result of telling a part of my story..

So this is for you Polly 💜

Eliza x

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