Two colleagues from Highland Hospice’s inpatient unit are preparing to trek the Great Wall of China in April 2027. Close friends Debbie Mackenzie and Mona Cameron are taking on the challenge in memory of their dearly missed friend Kirsteen Maclennan.
Today (Tuesday 6th October) marks the three year anniversary of Kirsteen’s death, an event that still doesn’t feel real to the ladies.
Mona explained, “Kirsteen was always the one who made sure everyone else was OK. She was such a bright, positive and incredibly brave person who was always thinking of others, right until the very end.”
“Kirsteen was such a special friend, almost like an angel in mine and Debbie’s lives. She introduced us to each other, knowing how well we would get on and that we would be able to support each other after she had gone.”
“She was an incredibly talented teacher, musician and conductor and she wrote the most beautiful song, ‘Underneath the Stars’ for my wedding to James in 2022. At this point, she had been diagnosed with breast cancer but, as always, her priority was doing something lovely for others.”
Debbie agreed explaining, “Kirsteen just knew that Mona and I were destined to be friends. I was in need of a haircut and Kirsteen suggested that Mona cut my hair. We struck a bond immediately.”
“Kirsteen’s husband Jamie was my husband’s best friend and they introduced us almost 20 years ago. She really was such a special person who made a huge impact in so many people’s lives.”
The ladies, both whom had known Kirsteen separately since they were very young, have become close over the past three years. Mona even took on the role of nursing assistant in Highland Hospice’s inpatient unit - joining Debbie who has been nursing in the Hospice for over 13 years.
Debbie said, “We are so very lucky to have Highland Hospice. My job can be difficult at times, but it’s hugely rewarding - even moreso having recently experienced its care on a personal level.”
“My uncle, John 'Jackie' Mackenzie, was an inpatient at the hospice and passed away earlier this year. He was also supported by the Rehabilitation and Wellbeing team when he was at home, receiving the best possible quality of life whilst living with a terminal illness. This care enabled him to live his best life until he died. He even modelled in the ‘Catwalk for a Cause’ fundraiser - something none of us could believe, but he just really wanted to give something back.”
When the ladies take on their challenge in April, they will be remembering both Jackie and Kirsteen - even taking a reminder of Kirsteen’s vibrance with them.
Mona explains, “Kirsteen loved colourful things and she always wore the bright pink lipstick shade ‘Cherries in the Snow.’ Not only are Debbie and I wearing Kirsteen’s favourite lippy today for our photos, we will also be wearing it as we remember her in China during our challenge.”
Debbie added, “Today is a sad day as we mark the anniversary of losing such a wonderful lady. It all happened so quickly at the end of her 15 month battle with breast cancer; and Kirsteen was only 49 years old, just weeks before her 50th birthday.
Our thoughts are with Jamie and their sons Finlay and Hector today and always.”
Mona concluded, “Kirsteen would be loving us doing this - she’d have such a laugh and although she’d probably say we’re crazy, would encourage us all the way.”
To support Debbie and Mona’s Great Wall of China trek, please click here
