Four women from the region had an “amazing day” at a royal garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
Laura Thomas, Cheryl McCormack, Shona Hannah and Samantha Lockhart were invited to last week’s celebration in recognition of their work running the Helping Dumfries and Galloway Facebook page.
Founder Laura said: “The party was amazing. The atmosphere was like nothing I have ever experienced.
“Hearing everyone’s background stories and the reasons they were invited to the party was truly humbling to hear.
“I think meeting people from all over the country was my highlight.”
The Queen was unable to meet guests but she was represented by senior members of the royal family.
Laura added: “Representing the Queen we had Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Edward and The Duchess of Wessex Sophie.
“Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, the afternoon flew in.”
She was “honoured” to share the day with friends Samantha, Shona and Cheryl.
Samantha said: “It was an incredible opportunity to have been able to go to the palace.”
Shona “was thoroughly thrilled with the whole experience”.
And Cheryl added: “The day was just perfect, loved every second and was honoured to share it with my best friends.”
The Facebook page was created by Laura to help those in need during the pandemic. Her son is diagnosed with Addison’s Disease, a rare adrenal disorder which requires correct doses of steroids. She set up a group to see if anyone else was having difficulties with getting medication, food shopping or basic needs while everything was shut down or people were isolating.
People started sharing their stories within an hour and now the page has more than 13,000 members who help each other every day.
Dumfries duo Angela Gilmour and Stacey Meechan, who established Lochside Is Families Together (LIFT), were also in attendance at the party.
