Lorrie Forsyth

Centre Head and Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Maggie's Lanarkshire

As a Psychologist I'm inspired by Maggie's empowering, respectful and holistic approach.  It's a privilege to see how, with good quality information, support and skills, and the right environment, people can find their own best way to live with the challenges of cancer.

I studied Psychology at St Andrews University, and worked in an Epilepsy Centre in Cheshire before going on to train in Clinical Psychology at Glasgow University. I was a Clinical Psychologist in NHS Lanarkshire for 16 years, specialising in psychological issues experienced by people dealing with physical health problems.

Gaye Paterson

Cancer Support Specialist, Maggie's Lanarkshire

I made a positive choice to do what I truly enjoy – supporting people affected by cancer.

I have worked in cancer care since I qualified as a nurse in 1989. I have held a variety of posts including Primary Nurse in palliative care, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Beatson Oncology Centre in Glasgow and have also been a Course Director, Module Leader and Lecturer at the Universities of Glasgow and Stirling. 

Allison Strang

Cancer Support Specialist, Maggie's Lanarkshire

In clinical settings there isn't always the opportunity to spend time just listening to people, whether they have cancer or know someone who does. Maggie’s gives these people the time and space to talk about anything that concerns them at a very difficult time in their life.

After qualifying as a nurse in 2002, I worked in oncology in Glasgow at the Beatson and Glasgow Royal Infirmary for about three years, and then worked at St Andrew’s Hospice for over three and a half years. I joined Maggie’s in 2009.

Ruth Park

Fundraising Organiser, Maggie's Lanarkshire

I have been working at Maggie’s since 2009 in the Supporter Care Team, before joining the team at Maggie’s Lanarkshire as a Fundraising Organiser in February 2012.

It’s lovely working in the Centre as it’s such a warm and inviting environment.

My job is Centre-based and I help the Community Fundraiser bring in funds to support the work done at Maggie’s Lanarkshire. I also organise Centre fundraising events, working with volunteers, and I help our supporters with their fundraising.

Kirsty Gill

Cancer Support Specialist, Maggie's Lanarkshire

Maggie's gives people affected by cancer a safe space, where they can explore any emotion or need they have at any given time. I feel privileged to be able to help, in the knowledge that the support Maggie's offers is exceptional.

Since qualifying as a nurse in 1988, I have worked in a number of oncology settings, including the Haematology unit in Gartnavel Glasgow, the Marie Curie service in Oban and St Andrew Hospice in Airdrie.

Dawn Kane

Area Officer, Macmillan & CAB in Partnership

Having worked for Macmillan & CAB in Partnership since 2005, I was given the opportunity to support Cancer patients and their families by providing a Welfare rights service for Maggie’s since April 2008. The financial implications for patients can have a huge impact during their cancer journey, but through partnership working we can provide information and advice on benefits and grants which may be accessible. Advice can also be given on issues such as Debt, housing and employment.

Having worked in the Civil Service for 16 years, I now feel privileged to support and assist people during this difficult period in their life, and have met some great friends along the way! The fit between Macmillan & CAB in Partnership and Maggie’s has ensured that people can receive practical support within a secure and supportive setting.

Elaine McLoone

Relaxation Therapist

After some challenging times, I changed my career path and returned to college in 2005 to study Complementary Therapies. This transformed my way of life, helping me to understand how stress was affecting me and allowed me to be proactive in dealing with this, as well as bringing me into contact with some wonderful people.

Since then, I have worked with various individuals and organisations and I currently divide my time between private practice, St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie and Maggie’s Lanarkshire. As part of Maggie’s relaxation sessions, I introduce people to therapies such as gentle comfort orientated massage and allow them to experience the de-stressing effects of reiki and reflexology in a safe and welcoming environment.

Ronnie Robinson

Qi Gong Instructor

I've been working with Tai Chi and Qi Gong since 1985, actively promoting the art through various roles that have seen me edit Tai Chi Chuan Magazine promote the work of the Tai Chi Union for Great Britain and work as the Secretary for the Taijiquan & Qigong Federation for Europe.

At the Maggie's Lanarkshire we work with a combination of 'listening' exercises, soft, gentle movements and conscious breath-work to clear the body, calm the mind and develop positive, healing energies, achieving an overall sense of relaxation and well-being.

Linda Thomson

Dietician

I qualified as a State Registered Dietitian in 1998 and started to specialise in oncology in 2001. I currently work within the haematology and oncology unit at Monklands Hospital in Lanarkshire.

My interest in this area grew as I saw the challenges individuals had to overcome due to their diagnosis and treatment pathway. In my own small way I feel I can help to make that cancer journey a little easier which is rewarding.

Nutrition has a major role to play both during cancer treatment and in cancer prevention. Anxiety around this area can be very common; unfortunately many cancer patients do not get the chance to discuss their dietary issues or concerns with a Dietitian. I enjoy doing the monthly nutrition workshop at Maggie’s Centre as it provides the opportunity for anyone affected by cancer to address any dietary concerns and to talk through their experiences in an informal, relaxed and fun atmosphere.