GRAN WOOD WINS NATIONAL RED CROSS ‘HERO’ AWARD

July 2004

Many Liosachs will remember Jane Wood from her many years of coming to Lismore with her son Hamish on the hay lorry and others will know her as the distinguished Granny of Jane Muirhead. Jane is very proud to tell us that Gran Wood from Cambusbarron has been awarded the Red Cross Humanitarian Hero Award in recognition of her outstanding service during 48 years with the charity. The award also recognises Jane’s recent heroic actions when she saved the life of her neighbour following a house fire.

The British Red Cross launched its search for nominations for the Red Cross Humanitarian Hero Award during Red Cross Week in May. Jane, 82, was nominated by her five grandchildren because of her outstanding voluntary work over many years, which has included first aid, cadet training, and collecting during Red Cross Week. She is one of only two people in Britain to receive the award and, although she was one of many nominated, she stood out as being both a dedicated volunteer and  someone who had made a lasting impact on the people she had helped.

In February 2003, Jane helped to rescue a neighbour after discovering her unconscious in a burning, smoke filled house. For this she was awarded the Red Cross’ Special Service Cross in March this year.

Gerry McLaughlin, Red Cross UK Director for Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man, presented Jane with her award on Friday, 9^th July at the Red Cross’ Mid Scotland & Argyll area office.

Gerry said:  “I am delighted to be presenting Mrs Wood with this very special award.  Her work during the last 48 years, which has included time as a first aid volunteer and a cadet trainer, has really changed the lives of many people. She also showed great bravery in saving the life of her neighbour. We greatly value Mrs Wood as a volunteer for the British Red Cross and hope her story will inspire many other people to volunteer for the British Red Cross.”

Jane Muirhead, one of Mrs Wood’s five grandchildren, said she and her family were delighted to hear of the award. She said: “We all know Gran is something special, but we’re over the moon that she has been recognised outside the family for the wonderful person she is.”