The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
You are never too old
Care: Award for Nancy, 94, who looks after 101year-old Ethel
A 94-year-old Fife woman has been awarded mature volunteer of the year for her services to her 101-year-old ‘buddy’.
Nancy McGill works as a volunteer with Continuing Care, a service which connects those in need of care and companionship with designated ‘buddies’.
Nancy was due to receive the award from Fife Voluntary Action in a ceremony in June but fell and broke her wrist shortly beforehand.
To make matters worse, centenarian Ethel McKay, whom she cares for, also injured herself and had to spend three weeks in Ninewells Hospital.
But the two Cupar residents were in great spirits as Nancy received plaudits at Cairnie Fruit Farm from Fife Provost Jim Leishman, who praised her for her caring efforts.
He said: “On behalf of Fife Council and everyone in the community, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Nancy for her tremendous work.
“Over 30 years of volunteering with the organisation is just amazing, I think everyone will agree.”
The two first connected nine years ago when Ethel requested some help from the charity due to her diminishing eyesight.
They have been close ever since and with the combined age of the pair just five years shy of a double century, it’s fair to say they have both seen more than most.
Born in 1914, just five months after the start of the First World War, Ethel grew up in Peterhead where she went on to work for Scottish Co-operative Oats before moving down to Fife in 1947.
Nancy, the daughter of a peripatetic Englishman, who worked in car manufacturing, grew up in Newcastle and lived in various UK cities before finding herself in Coventry at the beginning of the Second World War.
“I have lived in so many places including Yemen, Pakistan and
“I think having good neighbours helps a lot. ETHEL MCKAY
Singapore, all the while carting my three kids, Nancy, Andrew and Ian, around,” she said.
Despite the pair’s obvious wisdom, they both struggled for a definitive answer when asked what the secret is to a long life.
“I’m not sure,” said Ethel. “I think having good neighbours helps a lot.”
John Kerr, chairman of Continuing Care, said: “Having been formed in the 80s and now with over 40 volunteers, it is so important to all the rural communities around East Fife.
“Nancy’s commitment is a fantastic example of that.”