A big-hearted local business owner has raised £3,000 for the Vale of Leven Hospital’s cancer unit in support of one of his employees.
Reza Rast, who runs Silverton Fast Food in Dumbarton, wanted to give back to staff at the Vale after they looked after Bernie Maguire, a long-serving employee who is a favourite with locals.
Bernie, 51, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 and after receiving treatment at the Vale was given the all clear in 2020. She still attends regular appointments at the Alexandria site and continues to have a close relationship with those who looked after her so well.
Bernie said: “The staff at the Vale have been brilliant, they couldn’t do enough for me and are still so supportive. I’m still going back for follow-up appointments so they can keep an eye on everything.
“I’m so grateful for everything they have done for me during a very difficult period. They really are an amazing team, but I want to give a special mention to Gerry O’Hare. He has been there for me and provided such a great level of care and support.
“The fundraiser we had at the shop was a great way to give back to the team and I want to thank the owner Reza and all of my colleagues for helping with it. So many of the regulars were in to support and give what they could too, it’s a great community.”
The popular fast food outlet was queued out the door on October 11, as the people of Dumbarton got behind the fundraising idea. And Reza revealed even after the day people were still coming in to make donations.
He said: “It all went so well. I would like to thank all of the community for supporting this effort and Bernie. We have made about £3,000 that will now go to the cancer unit at the Vale. All the staff there looked after Bernie so well and we wanted to give back.
“For me personally, I wanted to do something for this cause, for Bernie but also for my mother-in-law, who was also diagnosed with breast cancer a few months ago. She has had all of her treatment now and is recovering well.”
Gerry O’Hare, Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Vale, added: “I have worked closely with Bernie for some time now and it’s great to see how well she is doing, following her treatment.
“Everyone at the Vale would like to thank Reza and the Silverton Fast Food team for arranging this fundraiser. The Vale plays such an important role for the community here and kind acts like this show the impact it has on our patients, their families and their friends.”
