Catherine lifts Jim Dunlop memorial award for volunteering

Councillor Elena Whitham, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, with members of Jim’s family, presented Catherine with the award in recognition of the remarkable work she carries out within the local community.

Jim Dunlop had been a devoted volunteer Walk Leader and a great believer in getting as many people as possible involved in physical activity regardless of their age or ability. Catherine shares this belief. She delivers Gentle Movement and Move More classes in Kilmarnock, teaching local people Tai Chi and Chi Gong.

Cllr Whitham said: “It was a real honour to meet Cathy and hear more about the work she does to support people who are living with cancer in East Ayrshire. Cathy herself has received the most difficult news, that she has terminal cancer and has faced so much over the past few years. Despite her diagnosis, or maybe because of her diagnosis, she has been determined to help support others and spread the word of the importance of exercise and positive thinking.

“Cathy has pushed herself to learn new skills and found incredible strength to encourage and support others at a dark time in their lives. It was a privilege to present Cathy with the Jim Dunlop Memorial Award for Volunteering and to thank her, from the bottom of all our hearts, for all that she has done.”

In January, the three Ayrshire councils signed up to Macmillan Cancer Support’s national campaign Move More, providing classes in local communities across Ayrshire. Research has proven that exercise can play a pivotal role in helping to reduce the side effects and consequences of cancer treatment.

If you are affected by cancer or would like further information about Move More please contact the Move More Development Officer for East Ayrshire, Allie Owen on 01563 576376 or email allister.owen@east-ayrshire.gov.uk