Terminally ill woman raises £8K for Glasgow hospice care

Jean McGrillen, 54, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2016, set a fundraising target of £5,000 to support The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice.

The Govan woman raised the money by organising a fundraising night with a DJ, buffet, and raffles.

Jean was first diagnosed with appendix cancer and endometriosis in 2016.

After a hysterectomy, she continued working as a housekeeper at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

However, her health began to deteriorate in 2021 and she was diagnosed with lung cancer which had spread to her bones, pelvis, and spine.

She was diagnosed as terminal and proceeded with treatment options including chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

She said: "I have been blown away by the level of care and attention shown by the staff here at the hospice.

"Nothing is too much trouble.

"They are just magic, they’ve looked after me and my family with such love and compassion."

Jean and her sisters Elaine and Annie, and friends Tracey and Tammy, formed a fundraising committee in her hospice bedroom.

They organised a fundraising night at the Fairfield Club, with a buffet, raffle, and DJ.

More than 250 of her friends and family attended the event on September 6, with Ms McGrillen as the guest of honour.

She said: "It was just fantastic; everyone had a great time and I made sure I was up there on the dance floor.

"I’ve always loved a party and nothing has changed.

"That’s how I want to be remembered, as someone who loved a party and who enjoyed life. "

Her niece Courtney Early, and friend Lynne Collie, also completed sponsored 5ks, bringing the total fundraising to just over £8,000.

Rhona Baillie, chief executive of The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, said: "Jean is a truly inspiring person, her determination and strength of will is just incredible.

"The fact that Jean has managed to raise this amazing amount from her hospice bed, while coping with a life-limiting illness is truly remarkable. "