SAS fundraise for beloved Scheduled Care Coordinator

Staff in The West Ambulance Control Centre (ACC) in Cardonald have recently been involved in an emotional fundraising campaign to help raise funds for a lesser known condition which has affected a close colleague and friend.

Scheduled Care Coordinator Eileen Ross was diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma in January this year. Leiomyosarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma. Sarcomas are cancers that develop from cells in the supporting or connective tissues of the body. Although leiomyosarcoma is rare, it is one of the more common types of soft tissue sarcoma in adults. It starts from cells in smooth muscle tissue. Smooth muscles are muscles that we have no control over.

Her ACC colleagues arranged a number of activities on the May Bank Holiday (5th of May) to help raise vital funds for Leiomyosarcoma Research UK, supporting a drive organised by her daughter Amy.

A dress down day, Ice Lollies and a fruit salad bar (taking a break from the usual Cake Buffet) were amongst some of the activities arranged to encourage donations from colleagues across the ACC.

With over 32 years service with Scottish Ambulance Service, the reasons behind this were particularly poignant, and as well as Eileen's dedicated career, the service runs in the family, as Eileen's son also works for the service as an Emergency Call Handler.

Long time colleague and friend, ACC Supervisor Sally Smith said of Eileen:

"Eileen has worked for the service for over 32 years. During her long career she has predominately worked for Scheduled Care servicing the patients within Argyle and Clyde.

"Being such an experienced coordinator Eileen has enabled us to help service thousands of patient journeys making a real difference to these patients healthcare. Eileen has many friends within the service, her bubbly personality and positive energy make her very easy to like - along with all her stories from her days controlling from Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley. I'm proud to call her my colleague and my friend. All our thoughts and well wishes are with Eileen and her family at this time."

At the time of writing the fundraiser has smashed its £500 target and is currently sitting at £2,528.

The ACC Fundraiser raised over £300 with more expected to come in.

If you'd like to contribute to the fundraiser, in recognition of Eileen's incredible service and brave battle, please visit : Amy ross is fundraising for Leiomyosarcoma Research UK