Maggie's Highlands

Staff Information

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  Carole Bridge

  Centre Head, Maggie's Highlands

  
  

  I first visited a Maggie’s Centre when I moved to the Highlands.  It was a truly inspirational experience as the programme of support already offered many aspects of the NICE Supportive and Palliative Care Guidance (England & Wales, 2004).  It is exciting to see Maggie’s Centres being planned and developed ‘south of the border’.
  
  I started work as a district nursing sister in the Pendle area and then became a Community Macmillan Nurse.  I spent 2 years developing accreditation guidelines for cancer and palliative care at the then NHC Executive (North West).  Following this I was a Service Development Manager for Macmillan in North West England and then became Nurse Director of Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Network.  I moved to the Scottish Highlands in 2006 and joined the Maggie’s team. 
  
  My move to the Highlands has brought many opportunities to enjoy fishing, horse riding and seeing the many wonderful places here on my motorbike.  I still venture south to watch motorbike racing in England and Ireland, and to see Wigan Warriors Rugby League matches when time allows.

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  Wendy Van Riet

  Clinical Psychologist, Maggie's Highlands

  
  

  For me, working at Maggie's has meant an opportunity to broaden my horizons. This wonderful environment has enabled me to give the time and the space to people in a way that I wish I would receive support if I needed it.

  I have been working as a clinical psychologist for almost 10 years now and have worked with adults and children with mental health problems during this time.

  I am a mother of two kids and spending time with them and my partner is the most important thing to me. Living in the Highlands and working at Maggie's has definitely increased my quality of life and it has allowed me to adjust my priorities by seeing what is really important.

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  Linda MacKay

  Information and Support Specialist

  
  

  I am enjoying working as the new Information & Support Specialist in Maggie’s Highland, I have found the post inspiring; learning how our support improves the quality of life of people affected by cancer.
  
  I also had the opportunity during my induction to work with other Information and Support Specialists in Maggie’s Fife and Dundee. I found this very interesting and enjoyable.

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  Gordon Faulkner

  Qigong and Taijiquan Teacher, Maggie's Highlands

  
  

  I specialise in a Chinese healthcare system called Daoyin Yangsheng.  In 1999 I was awarded the degree of 'Rushidizi' ('a disciple highly proficient in both profession and scholarship') by the Daoyin Centre of Beijing University of Physical Education.  I swore an oath to use Daoyin to benefit mankind so working at Maggie's helps me to fulfill that oath.  On another level it's just great to work here.
  
  I have two hobbies.  The first, predictably, is my work.  The second is book collecting - when I'm not working I can always be found in a bookshop.

  Find out more about Qigong and Taijiquan through Gordon's website http://www.quanshu.co.uk/instbiog.htm

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  Chryssy Gibbs

  Art Therapist, Maggie's Highlands

  
  

  I enjoy witnessing the healing and restorative power of creativity and group support at Maggie's Highlands.
  
  I have previously worked as a sessional art therapist in a variety of settings.
  
  I love color, sparkles, nature, people, animals, dancing, worship, reading and sharing with friends.

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  Jacqui Tuson-Webb

  Specialist Oncology Dietitian

  
  

  I moved to Inverness in November 2007, and joined the Raigmore Oncology team.  I can often be found working in and around the Oncology Department.  I visit Maggie’s on a regular basis and organise a nutritional workshop once a month.

  Prior to qualifying as a Dietitian with Glasgow Caledonian University, I gained an Honours Degree in Public Health Nutrition at Oxford Brookes University. In order to practice as a Dietitian, I have to be a member of the Health Professions Council, which binds me to working within a set of principles, and standards of proficiency. I always endeavour to provide nutritional information that is based on up-to-date sound scientific evidence, acquired from reputable sources.
  
  During my time in the Oncology Department, I have learnt from patients and carers just how confusing the nutritional messages from today’s various sources can be.  The nutritional information I share, hopefully empowers people to be able to make their own choices and decisions regarding any nutritional issues they may have.

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  Margot Henderson

  Expressive Writing Group Facilitator, Maggie's Highlands

  
  

  I first visited Maggie's a few years ago for a meeting. I remember thinking 'What a fantastic place. I'd love to work here.' ...and now I do.

  I've been holding the Expressive Writing group on Wednesday afternoons since August 2008 and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I love the element of surprise in creative writing. You never know where it will take you. I love the uniqueness of people's own expression. Sharing our writing, our thoughts, memories, hopes and struggles is always a moving and inspiring experience. That's why I do what I do and why I love what I do.