Friends of an Arbroath woman who has dedicated her life to helping others are giving something back – by launching a £22,000 fundraising campaign on her behalf.
Brenda Ross was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy 50 years ago and has been confined to a wheelchair for the last 40.
But despite her challenges, the 61-year-old has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charities including Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (Chas) through various events.
She has even been awarded an MBE for services to further education while working at Dundee and Angus College.
Now, others are coming to her aid to buy her a new powerchair.
Brenda’s Buddies launch fundraiser
A group, calling themselves Brenda’s Buddies, have launched an online fundraiser to buy the new state-of-the-art chair.
Organiser Yvonne Cargill, a former colleague of Brenda’s, says a chair that she had refurbished in 2017 is no longer of use.
She said: “The chair is now obsolete and spare parts are no longer available.
“As a result, Brenda was confined to her house for a time. She has now been loaned a replacement chair while we raise the money needed for the new one.
“Given that Brenda spends approximately 16-18 hours a day in her chair a bespoke chair is essential.
“However, the downside is that the cost is in the region of £22,000.
“We, Brenda’s Buddies, are asking for help in raising the funds needed for this vital equipment.”
Yvonne says Brenda is a “proud and independent lady”.
She added: “Over the years she has helped countless people and has raised over £80,000 for charity.
‘Now is the time for us to help her’
“While the majority of this has been for Chas, Brenda has helped local people through her fundraising.
“Brenda is an inspiration to many and when she hears of anyone in need her typical response is, ‘What can we do to help?’
“Now is the time for us to support and help her.”
Brenda was diagnosed with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy at the age of 11.
She now uses a ventilator full-time and needs 24-hour care.
Brenda said: “I credit my parents with giving me the ability to do everything I have done.
“After my diagnosis aged 11, they told me I would just have to get on with it and that’s what I have done.
“It’s now overwhelming that so many people are rallying around to help me.
“All being well, I’m hoping my new powerchair will be ready for me by the end of December or early January.”
In addition to the online page, fundraising events are being organised to support the cause.
Conversation