Shine the light Miss March

SHINE THE LIGHT MISS MARCH

March’s “Shine The Light” nominee is Kathleen Weisner

She was nominated by her colleagues at Glasgow’s New Victoria Hospital, where she is an Auxiliary Nurse.

Kathleen,72, had previously retired but decided she was not finished with the world of work.
Having worked at clothing store Cones in Shawlands for 25 years, she was made redundant and so entered the world of nursing. She has been at Glasgow’s New Victoria Hospital for the last 9 years and is a highly esteemed member of the Day Surgery Unit.
Colleagues of Kathleen, described as “Very attractive and glamorous!”, praise her highly, inspired by her passion, “She keeps saying she needs to retire but she loves her job so much she just keeps going!”

But it is not just in the nursing world that she is held in admiration.
Kathleen, along with her partner of 30 years, Brian, are both parents and foster parents.
Kathleen and Brian have four children and 8 grandchildren between them as well as two boys, their foster children who are a permanent fixture in the home.
Kathleen was introduced to fostering by her friend, also a fosterer. She decided to apply as this would allow her to help her friend out at weekends.

Her daughter Niki says “It does not surprise me that she fosters, she always had a full house!”.
When two boys were in need of emergency respite, the social worker dealing with the boy’s case remembered Kathleen’s compassionate comment, “All kids need is a roof over their head and a safe bed to sleep in.”

This would lead to Kathleen taking the boys in almost instantly; they are considered family and are treated as such. Kathleen and Brian have helped the older boy get through high school and learn to drive, thanks to Brian’s driving instructing. He passed his test, got himself a part time job and and has saved up hard to buy himself his first car, with some help from Kathleen and Brian!
Every year they all go to Spain, re-affirming to the boys that they are indeed, family.

Kathleen’s story is a heartwarming reminder of the amazing individuals in our community.
Her daughter said “She completely deserves recognition.”
She is credited with always “Being about everyone else, never herself”, “A very caring person”, “All the staff think very highly of her”, “She’s chatty, with good manners and very helpful!”. She even decided to try ice skating with the foster children at the regal age of 70 (ish!..)
Senior staff nurse, Kirsty McHugh, said “She deserves this, she’s amazing. Some of the staff were brought to tears with the thought of her being recognised, because she won’t think she deserves it at all.”

With high praise comes high recognition and that is why we are thrilled to award Kathleen with the title of “Shine The Light – Miss March!”

Anyone wishing to nominate an April star can do so by emailing: admin@pinnacletrainingscotland.co.uk

Photos: Kathleen being awarded hamper and certificate with friend Pat in background
Kathleen with colleague Kirsty McHugh who nominated her.
Kathleen with son, sister and daughter (left to right)