Dedicated manager thanked for 20 years of sterling service
Twenty years of appreciation was gift-wrapped into a surprise party for Karen McCurry who runs Lochgilphead’s Snowdrop Centre.
Karen admits she was lost for words when the celebratory gathering at the hub, still known by many as the multiple sclerosis centre, was sprung on her earlier this month without her having even a hint of suspicion that a plot for a party was in the making.
"I can’t believe that there were so many people who came along on the day and I can’t get over the fact my colleagues Claire and Laurene pulled off the party planning without me having a clue what they were up to.
"They managed to get me out of the way by sending me off to a meeting elsewhere. I was speechless when I got back to the centre and it had been transformed into party central. At first I thought I’d organised an event and forgotten about it.
"It was lovely to see so many people and to get everyone together. I was lost for words, which doesn’t happen often!
"Not everyone who was there would’ve known each other because people come to the centre for so many different reasons and activities but it was a wonderful occasion, the company was great.
"We are like a community within our wider community," said Karen, who was joined by her husband Brian and twins Rebecca and Michael who were just two when the family moved from Glasgow to Argyll.
Karen first took up her role at what was then the oxygen therapy centre for MS patients before it evolved into what it is today - running classes, activities, and supporting people who need it.
Karen was showered with gifts and tributes and also received a House of Commons thank you card from Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber MP Brendan O’Hara.
In the card he wrote: "You have made an unmeasurable difference to so many lives, directly and indirectly over the past two decades."
And, of course, the occasion would not have been complete without a snowdrop-decorated cake.
Karen also took the opportunity to give thanks herself to the Snowdrop Centre’s staff, the trustees, the volunteers and to all the people who have come through its doors making it what it is today.
"People were saying cheers to my next 20 years here. I’d be 75 by then but I’ll give it my best shot," added Karen, who said a big part of her job is securing funding to keep up the centre’s good work.
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