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).

I started work as a district nursing sister in the Pendle area and then became a Community Macmillan Nurse. I spent two 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.

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.

Before moving to the Highlands I worked in Aberdeen for almost 10 years in Mental Health services. In 2009 I started my job at the Maggie’s centre. This was my first job in Health psychology and I haven’t looked back once.

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.

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.

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

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.

Thelma Middleton

Nutritional Therapist

I have a life-long passion for good nutrition and helping guide others to find their natural capacity for health. I truly believe that education is the key to turning one’s health around and am grateful to Maggie’s for giving me such an accessible platform.

I was introduced to how special Maggie’s really is about two years ago while nursing a family member with cancer. Now, I am one of the team leading workshops in nutrition on a regular basis. I have an honours degree in Nutritional Therapy and undertaken further training specialising in cancer support. I write for the professional journal The Nutrition Practitioner, am a member of BANT and the CNHC and can be found in the NHS Directory of Complementary Practitioners.

I am fully aware of just how confusing nutritional messages from today’s media sources can be. I welcome the opportunity to be able to empower people to take charge of their health with confidence through the foods that they eat and the lifestyle choices they make.

Margot Henderson

Expressive Writing Group Facilitator, Maggie's Highlands

Sylvia Young

Yoga Teacher

As well as having worked in the NHS as a radiographer, I have taught yoga for many years. Maggie's is a wonderful environment in which to do what I really love, introducing and sharing my practice of yoga and meditation.

Simply being who and what you really are is easy to say and difficult to do. Maggie's gives us all a safe and accepting place where we can be ourselves, however we feel.

Bill Gregory

Volunteer, Maggie's Highlands

Picture courtesy of the Press and Journal