Harry was a big man 
with a big heart

By Margaret Clayton

ELEANOR BALSILLIE, from Star of Markinch, in Fife, was so touched when she read our stories about the children in Rachel House she sent us a cheque for £720. Behind Eleanor’s generosity there is a story of love.  Her husband Harry, a 50-year-old ambulanceman, died of a heart attack on a golf course while they were on holiday at Loch Lomond earlier this year.

Eleanor with a picture of her  “soul-mate” Harry.

At his funeral service, £720 was collected for charity. At first, Eleanor wasn’t sure who she should donate the money to — then she read about our Hospice Appeal. “Harry took cancer patients to hospitals and hospices for treatment,” she said. “He had great empathy with the patients in his ambulance who were suffering from cancer, especially kids. “He was a big man in every way, a big lad with a big heart and a big love of life. He was a great friend to many people and always had time for their problems.  “We were together for 12 years and they were the best years of my life. He was my soulmate and I felt so cherished by him. “My Harry was the kind of man who felt that a cuddle made all the difference. I know he’d have wanted to help the children have some fun and laughter.  “The fact that we were in the Loch Lomond area when he died makes me think this is the most appropriate fund to donate the collection to. “It’s good to know that, when a new hospice is built there, Harry will be part of it.” If you have a fund-raising event planned, please contact us on 0141 332 9933 during office hours. You can also e-mail news, questions or ideas to: hospice@sundaypost.com  Cheques should be made payable to Sunday Post CHAS Appeal and sent to The Sunday Post, c/o CHAS, 72 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 7DA.

You can e-mail us at: hospice@sundaypost.com