a day ago
Honours first for family who support children with cancer in Glasgow
A COUPLE and their daughter who provide accommodation in Glasgow to families with seriously ill children have been awarded British Empire Medals in the King's Birthday Honours List.
It is the first time that three people in the same family have been given BEMs at the same time.
'It feels surreal, and very special,' says Jenna Speirs, who runs the charity Calums Cabin with her mum Caroline, 59, and dad Duncan, 63.
(Image: Newsquest)
'We are really happy of course, it's such an honour, but it is strange too because if we hadn't lost Calum, we wouldn't be in this situation.
'It's all been for him.'
The Speirs family set up Calum's Cabin to provide holiday homes for children facing cancer, after Jenna's twin brother Calum sadly died from a brain tumour in 2007, when he was just 12 years old.
Calum Speirs (Image: Jenna Speirs)
The charity arranges retreats for around 250 families per year, and is fully funded through fundraising and sponsorship.
They also provide 12 flats across Finnieston and Hyndland to allow families from across the country to stay together in welcoming, home-from-home surroundings during extended periods of treatment.
'When Calum went into hospital, my mum and dad went with him, and I couldn't go,' recalls Jenna, 30. 'We lived on Bute, so it wasn't possible for them to come back and forwards, so I didn't see them for six weeks.
'I have never forgotten how hard that was. That's why the flats in Glasgow are so important."
(Image: Jenna Speirs)
Jenna said receiving the BEM alongside her parents was "extra special."
"It was always the four of us, together," she says. "So it feels right that we're getting this honour together, for Calum.'
She adds: 'The letters all went to my mum and dad's home, so my mum texted me theirs first, and I was absolutely buzzing for them, I was so excited.'
She laughs. 'My mum waited five full minutes to let me know I had one too,' she says. 'Calum was always the joker in our family, so she said she just did it because she knew he'd appreciate it …'
Jenna, who is a therapeutic radiographer in Edinburgh, says helping families get through the most difficult of times in their lives has been the 'most rewarding' part of Calum's Cabin.
'There are so many special stories, but I think my favourite is the wee boy who stayed in Calum's Cabin during his treatment for cancer, got the all clear and then was asked by his parents where he wanted to go on holiday to celebrate,' she says, smiling.
'He could have gone anywhere in the world, and he said 'Calums Cabin' on Bute. I love that.
'It's incredible to think that one, small idea has got us here. And 18 years on, people are still talking about Calum. That means so much to us.'
(Image: Colin Dalgarno)
Colin Dalgarno started playing rugby at Strathaven RFC in 1994, but in 2012, he suffered a devastating injury when he broke his back during a game.
'I found out shortly after that I wouldn't be able to play again,' explains the 37-year-old commercial manager.
'Rugby has given me so much, and the club has been a staple for me through difficult times, so as soon as I heard that news, I knew I needed to channel my energy into giving back to the sport and my community.'
Colin's impressive achievements as club president and coach include securing more than £2.5m in funding for new pitches, changing rooms, meeting spaces and a clubhouse.
He is also a founder member of the charity Whiteshawgate 3G Sports Trust formed in partnership with SRC and Stathaven Dynamo Football Club (SDFC).
The news of his British Empire Medal came as a huge shock, he says. 'My wife Hannah passed me the envelope when I came in from work and I was a bit speechless,' he admits. 'I'm absolutely delighted. It truly is an honour.'
Deacon Jim Hamilton (Image: Newsquest)
Jim Hamilton, Deacon of Maryhill Ruchill Church, has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to his local community, including his organisation of the much-loved Cadder Gala Day and his creation of the Maryhill Activity Directory.
'This was a total surprise,' says the 60-year-old. 'I am really just doing my job. It's been a privilege to serve as a deacon in the Maryhill area for nearly 25 years.
'I have loved serving these communities and have learned so much from my team and colleagues over the years.
"As deacon I am a face of the church, but so many have quietly helped behind the scenes as unsung heroes, this award is also for each of you.'
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Adarsh Khullar is dedicated to fighting food poverty in her Pollokshaws community and she is receiving the British Empire Medal for services to the Scottish Asian Ekta Group
The 84-year-old successfully applied for funding and created the Grub Club, so children and their families would come into the centre to enjoy activities and lunch.
She ran the service during lockdown, and stepped it up during the cost of living crisis, increasing parcel deliveries, ensuring poorer people have access to good, home-cooked food.
Adarsh also introduced a community trolley, so those in need could help themselves if they were embarrassed to ask for food.
