THE friends of a young woman from Ballingry have raised a significant sum to refurbish the facilities for relatives within the Intensive Care Unit at the Victoria Hospital.

Demi Clarke passed away on July 5 2017 in the ICU at the Vic.

With the support of Demi’s family, Jenni Rodgers, Anne Rodgers and Nicole Swatton, began raising funds to create a lasting legacy in her memory on the ward where Demi fought so bravely for a number of days.

The friends began the ‘ICU Fundraiser – in Memory of Demi Clarke’ Facebook page and over the course of many months raised £3,287.95. The specific cause was chosen by supporters of the Facebook page, who voted in an online poll for how the funds raised should be used.

Earlier this year, Jenni, Anne and Nicole also held a fundraising evening at the Adamson Hotel, in Crossford. Thanks to fantastic support from a large number of local businesses, 79 raffle prizes were gathered along with a series of items which were subsequently auctioned.

Jenni Rodgers explained why the group chose to raise funds for the Unit: “Demi received the very best care in the Intensive Care Unit.

“The team of staff are highly skilled, determined and work tirelessly, and this was our way of saying thanks for their efforts in caring for Demi.

“We also want to give our thanks to all of those who have supported us along the journey for their donations, efforts and generosity towards the cause.”

The relatives’ room within the Intensive Care Unit is used by families when visiting or staying over whilst their loved ones are being cared for.

Dr Marcia McDougall is a consultant in anaesthetics and is clinical lead for intensive care at the Victoria Hospital. She explained what the revamped facility will mean for the families of those visiting their loved ones: “The Intensive Care Unit cares for patients when they are at their most unwell, which is, of course, a really stressful and worrying time for the patients’ loved ones.

“That is why the relatives’ room is such an important resource for the family members of those we care for. The funds raised by Jenni, Anne and Nicole have enabled us to provide a much more comfortable place for loved ones to gather their thoughts, rest or even sleep overnight.

“All the ICU nurses and doctors would like to give our heartfelt thanks for their fundraising efforts.”

Jenni, Anne and Nicole intend on continuing their fundraising efforts for the Intensive Care Unit.

Our photo shows, Duncan Ford (Senior Charge Nurse); Dr Michael Macmahon (Consultant Anaesthetist); Nicole Swatton; Jenni Rodgers; Anne Rodgers; Dr Marcia McDougall; and Kelly Adair (Staff Nurse).