Gillian Hailstones

Centre Head

I joined the team here in November 2009. Since qualifying as a nurse in 1995 I have worked in a variety of oncology and palliative care roles in the Beatson, various hospices across the city as well as community services in Glasgow and rural Ayrshire. Prior to starting at Maggie's I worked on the Macmillan national telephone helpline.

My jobs have afforded me the privilege of sharing in the personal stories of many cancer sufferers, their families and friends. I value the honesty and integrity of all those stories. The bravery and strength contained within them motivate me be as creative as I can in my support of centre users.

Dr Lesley Meiklejon

Chartered Clinical Psychologist

When working in NHS Fife Oncology and Palliative care services, I was fortunate enough to run mindfulness based groups at Maggie’s Fife when it first opened. I was inspired by the holistic and empowering environment and was delighted when an opportunity at Maggie’s Glasgow arose. I studied Psychology at Glasgow University and then qualified as a teacher. I worked abroad before training in Clinical Psychology at Edinburgh University and have since worked in a variety of NHS settings prior to joining Maggie’s.

Carol Scott

Benefits Adviser, Maggie's Glasgow

I like to ensure rights and entitlement to benefits for people who have a cancer diagnosis and their carers, and advocate on their behalf.

I have worked as a welfare rights adviser since 1990 in local authority and health centres.

Please call Carol directly on 0141 330 2594 with any benefits queries.

Dermot Coyle

Welfare Rights Advisor

I'm delighted to be starting my new role as benefits adviser at Maggie's Glasgow. I have been working in the welfare rights field for about seven years now and I am passionate about my work. I am impressed by the ethos that influences every aspect of Maggie's and excited to be joining the team.

Grazia Zani

Relaxation and Stress Management Therapist, Maggie's Glasgow

I was diagnosed with cancer as a child and as a result cancer is an area that is very close to my heart. I am therefore delighted to work at Maggie’s providing support to those diagnosed with cancer and their carers.

I have 20 years experience of working in the public and private sector including counselling and complimentary health.

Joan Hemphill

Cancer Support Specialist

Maggie’s ethos and team working creates an environment in which we match what we have to offer with what is needed by the courageous people who come through our door. I believe in the inherent worth of the individual and offer a personal essence and an individual and knowledgeable presence to those affected by a cancer diagnosis.

I worked as a Macmillan Nurse for 11 years in Lancaster and Chorley in the local hospices and community.  I then became the Palliative Care Co-ordinator for Glasgow for three years. From 2004 to 2005 I was the Clinical Director for Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow.

Stuart Danskin

Cancer Support Specialist

It’s an exciting time for me to join and be part of Maggie’s. Having the opportunity to watch the new Gartnavel centre grow at the same time as personally growing my ability to support people within, feels lucky and challenging all at the same time.

As a nurse I’ve worked in many areas in an around the field of cancer since qualifying in 1989. My career has allowed me to support people with a wide range of cancers and at times has been very specialised around bone marrow transplant and haematology. I've worked in the NHS, private sector, corporate sector and the charity world, allowing me to view first hand the very many challenges confronting people and their families as they move through diagnosis, treatment and uncertainty.

Fiona Murdoch

Cancer Support Specialist

I have a background of caring for people with cancer, having worked as an oncology nurse in Edinburgh. My careers has seen me work in a variety of environments – wards, community, hospice and research. Throughout my career, and in all these environments, I have enjoyed supporting people with cancer and their families.

I was fortunate to be working in the Edinburgh Cancer Centre when the first Maggie’s Centre was being established and have watched with interest over the years as more centres have developed.

My reasons for joining the Maggie’s team are that I believe in what the centres offer, and over the years, I have seen the benefit people get from using their Maggie’s Centre.

Chris Gallagher

13 July 1953 to 29 Dec 2010

Chris,

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose, All that we love deeply becomes part of us.”

Your warmth and caring touched the hearts of many. We miss and love you.

Maggie's Glasgow

Kirsty Carrie

Dietician, Maggie's Glasgow

I've worked as a Dietician at the Beaston Oncology Centre in Glasgow for several years, and then at the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. I've always dreamed of working at Maggie's Glasgow.

Larry Butler

Tai Chi Instructor, Maggie's Glasgow

I have worked as a movement and Tai Chi teacher for 27 years. For the past 10 years I have focussed on the use of Tai Chi for health and healing and have been running training courses for other therapists. I knew I wanted to work at Maggie's Glasgow as I have personal experience of cancer - my father and several friends have lived and died with cancer.

I've also started a creative writing programme at Maggie's Glasgow and Dundee, and am arranging with the Scottish Poetry Library for every Maggie's Centre to have a shelf of poetry.

Sharron Francis

Runs the Talking Heads session at Maggie's Glasgow

I have been hairdressing for 20 years. I first heard about Maggie's from the salon in Accord Hospice where I have worked for five years. I work with people going through hair loss during treatment and the impact this can have has inspired me to help as many people as possible.

I have set up 'Talking Heads', on a Monday from 3pm to 4pm and 4pm to 5pm offering support and advice to anyone going through hair loss. There is practical advice from the onset of hair loss, wig advice, alternative head wear (including scarf tying), scalp care and regrowth.

Jeanette McAteer

Yoga Teacher, Maggie's Glasgow

I am best known for my work in Natural Therapies which I have taught for almost 25 years.  I am involved in teaching remedial aspects of posture and movement as well as holding workshops ranging from yoga to the role of relaxation and stress management.

I have been a consultant in yoga in Maggie's Glasgow for almost 2 years. I love being part of an amazing concept and being a part of the cancer support programme available to people and their families affected by cancer.

Caroline Miller

Community Fundraiser, Maggie's Glasgow

I have been a fundraiser with other cancer and mental health charities since 2005 so when I was warmly welcomed into Maggie’s Glasgow. I knew this was a move I definitely wanted to make and was thrilled to be offered the post of Community fundraiser.

I spend most of my days supporting and talking to many people who are doing the most amazing things to help raise funds for Maggie’s. It is something I love doing.

Pol

Moving Meditation Instructor, Maggie's Glasgow

Just walking in through the door of Maggie's Glasgow makes you start to smile and relax, a beautiful feeling rests within it. I remember saying to myself “I want to work here” now its amazing to say I do.

Guided visualisation is a wonderful, yet simple way to help bring a deep state of relaxation and relieve stress and tension from our bodies. Gentle, easy meditation techniques help to create a Peaceful state of mind. Perfect for Stress Relief.

For further details of Pol's classes throughout Glasgow, or to Download his Relaxation Visualisations and Meditations visit his website.

Christine

Volunteer, Maggie's Glasgow

In the 70s, when my mum and dad died very young of cancer, there was nothing like Maggie’s to help either them or my sister and I. 

A dear friend uses Maggie’s Edinburgh and finds it wonderful, and she took me along for a visit.  I was so incredibly moved by and impressed with the service that I offered my help to my local Maggie’s in Glasgow.  I told Maureen I could knit or help with computers, and we now have a great group of knitters who meet every Friday from 11 till about 3.  We do as much talking as knitting, I have to say, so we now call it Knit and Natter…! 

Some of us are there for the 4 hours, and others drop in for a while on the way to or from one of the other Friday groups.  We have all loved seeing each others’ work, from beading to tapestry and, obviously, knitting.  Everyone is welcome to join us with whatever craft they wish, and anyone who wants to learn to knit will have many willing helpers.