Heartfelt thanks were given to a community champion, who had spent nearly 50 years supporting the Friends of Ross Hospital.

Heather Jackson was amongst the initial Friends of Ross Hospital group which formed 49 years ago.

At the Friends of Ross Hospital meeting on Monday, June 6, Heather said: “Thank you all for your support. I have really enjoyed my many years working with the friends both as a chairman and secretary. The League of Friends was formed on June 11, 1973, with a public meeting at the Chase Hotel. Matron Burris was present and Mrs Margaret Clark chaired the meeting with 22 people present.”

She added: “I was elected to the committee on September 23, 1975. Throughout my time with the League of Friends we have raised funds for the former cottage hospital and present community hospital and our fundraising efforts have gone to benefit patients in the hospital and local community. Long may it continue and I wish every success in the future.”

The league presented Heather with an engraved vase to commemorate her nearly 50 years of loyal service to the Friends of Ross Hospital as well as a bouquet of flowers and a card signed by all the committee members.

Current chair Jill Davies told the Gazette: “I just wanted to thank Heather for all of nearly 50 years on the committee, all the jobs she’s done, treasurer, secretary, chairman, she’s done everything, she’s fabulous.”

In Jill’s presentation speech she thanked Heather on behalf of the group, for her hard work and service to the Friends over all the years and how much they will miss her and her organisational skills. The group wished her every happiness in her well-deserved retirement.

Last April the Gazette reported that the hospital would be receiving a £500 cash boost thanks to the group. They organised a coffee morning selling homemade cakes, cards, bric-a-brac, books, and raffle tickets. The amount raised was just over £500—which exceeded expectations—and would go to provide much-needed equipment for the patients at the hospital. The amount raised was considered ‘marvellous’ by the group.