Tenth Accuvein machine donated following councillor's determined fundraising

The tragic passing of An Taobh Siar agus Nis councillor Iain Morrison was keenly and sadly felt throughout the isles.

Determined to use his own experiences of treatment to help others the hugely popular councillor, more commonly known as Iain a’ Mhilleachan, began a mission before his passing to raise money to bring five Accuvein Machines to the isles.

Even as he bravely fought illness himself his determination to fundraise for others shone though as he bid to try and raise enough money to buy machines for the Western Isles Hospital day unit, and one each for the Borve/Ness, Uig/Carloway, Lochs and Harris Districts.

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Recently a 10th Accuvein machine was presented on the isles underlining both his determination to help others and also the respect he held in the community.

More than £40,000 was raised which enabled not just the purchase of the originally planned five machines but also for another five additional machines with two provided for Broadbay/Stornoway area, and two for the Uists.

The tenth machine was donated to both Bethesda and Blar Buidhe care homes to share.

Iain’s widow Annette, Bella, Joan, Isabel, Calum and families, have thanked all who donated from individuals to community groups and businesses.

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They said: “A special mention must go to the Hebridean Men’s Cancer Group under whose auspices the collation of all donations was processed.

“This was an organisation

very close to Iain’s heart and even when his health was failing he would not miss a meeting on a Friday afternoon, so we will always have a close affiliation with this very special group.

“The balance of the funds has been donated to them and they have decided to purchase additional equipment with this money.

“Also a very sincere vote of thanks goes to the local Macmillan nurses who had not only done so much for Iain personally during his illness, but also utilised their special avenue of status in sourcing and ordering the machines for the various communities.

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“We firmly believe that Iain would have been shocked but very proud of the response to his appeal and we can only reiterate once more our heartfelt thanks to everyone

who helped to raise the money in his memory.

Pictured is the presentation of the 10th Accuvein machine to be shared between Bethesda Hospice and Blar Buidhe HC One Nursing Home.

Left to right - Calum Morrison, Annette Morrison, Anne Stewart (HC One), Louise Stewart (Staff Nurse), Isabel Mackay, Cathy Ann Mackinnon (Staff Nurse) and Carol Somerville (Bethesda - General Manager).

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