June McIntosh, a child cancer nurse and fundraiser. Alexander Douglas Ruthven, Trustee of Therapet and Fiona Russell, volunteer for Capability Scotland all received their British Empire Medals from the Lord Lieutenant Frank Ross this evening.
A reception was held in the Lady Provost’s room with friends and family invited to join the three recipients.
June McIntosh, a registered nurse with the Western General Hospital for 30 years and a fundraiser for Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh (FACE) for 25 years, will receive the honour for services to young people with cancer and to charity.
Described as part nurse, part play therapist, part counsellor and part friend by her peers, June is recognised for improving the lives of countless children undergoing cancer treatment and their families in Edinburgh, and for making a real and measurable difference to patient care as deputy charge nurse for the Edinburgh Cancer Centre.
Alexander Douglas Ruthven, a volunteer dog walker and Trustee of Therapet, will be recognised for voluntary service to the community in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Douglas and his beloved Border Collies have been regular visitors to long stay patients and residents in hospitals, care and nursing homes since 1998. He is recognised for negotiating a key initiative with NHS Lothian to provide pet therapy support to children confined to hospital, people suffering from stress and anxiety and the lonely.
Fiona Russell, a volunteer at her local Capability Scotland shop, will also be honoured with the British Empire Medal for services to charity. Volunteering three days a week, every week, Fiona has rarely missed a shift in 22 years. She is commended for supporting and training staff across Capability Scotland’s shops, for her commitment and passion. The financial benefit of her service to the charity has been described as incalculable.
The British Empire Medal is awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
