Maggie's Glasgow

Dr Claire Marriott

Acting Centre Head and Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Maggie's Glasgow

On my first visit to Maggie’s Glasgow I instantly felt at home and knew I wanted to work here with the team – it was love at first sight!  Luckily I got the job, and now I appreciate being able to offer a service that is truly tailored to need and equally available to everyone. As a staff member, I feel privileged to work in such a beautiful environment, and am humbled every day by the amazing people who use our service.

In previous jobs I have worked in academic psychological research, and after completing training in Clinical Psychology I held posts in HIV and Sexual Health, and Breast Cancer, before joining Maggie's in September 2007. Although I am originally from Yorkshire, I have a longstanding love of Scotland, and particularly Glasgow, so I am pleased to have been able to follow my heart back here!

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.

I am a musical djembe player and also like to play the spoons!

Tel: 0141 330 2594 - please call Carol directly with any benefits queries.

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.

Many years ago I trained to play piano and violin.  I am not averse to playing Scottish reels and jigs, accompanied by Carol our benefits adviser on the spoons!!

Joan Hemphill

Cancer Information and Support Specialist, Maggie's Glasgow

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 3 years.  From 2004 to 2005 I was the Clinical Director for Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow.

I have a huge capacity in my life for animals and their ability to make your heart smile. I have two beautiful dogs, two chatty, quite demanding cats and a third cat with a personality disorder! I have a soft spot for hedgehogs and re-home them (in my own garden) when I can.

Chris Gallagher

Information and Support Specialist, Maggie's Glasgow

My recent move to Maggie's in February '08 is a fantastic opportunity to experience cancer care from a different perspective, removed from the clinical atmosphere, and support cancer sufferers to help themselves in a relaxed, caring, environment.

Born and brought up in Aberdeenshire I moved to Edinburgh to train in the North Edinburgh School of Nursing.  Since qualifying in 1974 I've spent 20+ years in cancer nursing, mostly at the Beatson Oncology Centre, Glasgow.

I'm married to Liam. We have two fantastic daughters and an elderly mongrel called Kelsey.  At home I love walking, cooking, reading and socializing.

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 and here I am!

I have two beautiful twin boys, Ross and Gregor, and a fabulous husband Douglas who underwent chemotherapy for Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2006.

I play the violin and am a member of the Helensburgh Orchestra and Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, and who knows, we may even start our own Maggie's Glasgow Orchestra!

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.

I have an allotment and love cycling, hill walking and am always ready to dance.

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.

I am proud mum to Robert, 16 and Sophie-Louise, 15.  I enjoy socialising with friends and family, shopping, swimming and hill walking.

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.

Jen Meenan

Community Fundraiser, Maggie's Glasgow

I've recently joined Maggie's and wanted to be a part of a forward thinking organisation for a worthwhile cause.

I previously worked as a marketing executive, organising events and promotional activities.

This year for my holiday, I'm off on a vineyeard tour of France and I can't wait!

Jean Divens

Housekeeper, Maggie's Glasgow

I've been the housekeeper at Maggie's Glasgow since it opened in 2002.  Working here has brought me 'out of my shell' and I feel very much a part of a great team and love meeting lots of great people.

I previously worked at the University of Glasgow as a cleaner and was three months into retirement when I saw the job advertised at Maggie's and thought "that's for me!"

I've been married to Billy for 41 years and we have two sons.  I also have a beautiful baby granddaughter, Molly, who is two at Christmas.

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.
 
I trained in India for over 5 months, studying Yoga & Yoga therapy, where I qualified as a Yoga Teacher. I am a daily practitioner of Vipassana meditation, and with these influences I have fused some gentle and mindful movements with guided relaxation, to form what can be described as Moving Meditation. I also apply Reiki throughout the classes, which seems to deepen the relaxation effects. As the saying goes, the proof is in the pudding.
 
I enjoy reading, cycling, walking in the countryside, and have always had a love of music, especially playing the piano. Classical music is a favourite, as is the odd visit to a classical concert.

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.

Sheila McIntosh

Volunteer, Maggie's Glasgow

I retired from full time employment in September 2007 and offered my time and energy as a volunteer to Maggie's a few months later.  I was delighted when I was welcomed and now volunteer one day a week, answering the phone and carrying out administrative duties.

I knew from a work colleague that Maggie's is a good support to people who have cancer as well as their family and friends.  What I found was a centre which worked with people in a very human way - in a holistic way that cared for the emotional as well as the physical aspects of all who came through the door.

I'm very glad to be a volunteer and play a small part in an organisation that has such a strong and positive ethos.

Danny McGrory

Volunteer, Maggie's Glasgow

My first visit to Maggie's was with my wife Margaret in October 2006, shortly after her breast cancer surgery. A member of staff at the Beatson suggested that we pop into Maggie's for some support. When we walked through the large door there was a feeling a wandering into the unknown. However, we soon felt relaxed for the first time in weeks as we absorbed the information and relaxing surroundings.

We were overwhelmed by the programme of activities and decided to return the following Monday for Tai Chi and the Stress Reduction and Relaxation Group. Margaret also got tremendous support from Carol, the benefits advisor, who removed much of the stress of understanding the benefits system and helping with completing complex application forms.

I am very proud to be a member of the Maggie's team on Mondays and Wednesdays and take great pleasure in helping to ensure that each person who walks through our door experiences the same warmth and support that my wife and I felt.