Hebridean Men's Cancer Support Group
We support people who are affected by Cancer and live in the Outer Hebrides.
Well done George and team for this well deserved recognitionLocal chemotherapy nurse to be recognised as ‘local hero’ at Scottish Parliament opening
Chemotherapy nurse George Macleod has been nominated and selected as a “local hero” for the Na h-Eileanan na Iar constituency, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the community.
George Macleod was nominated as a special guest by MSP for Na h-Eileanan na Iar, Donald MacKinnon, in recognition of his dedication and service. Mr MacKinnon said: “Cancer is a devastating diagnosis for anyone who receives it, and walking in for treatment can be an intimidating experience. Every islander whose life has been touched by cancer has come to understand the importance of George and the chemotherapy team’s kindness, patience and professional care.
“While we rightly celebrate the big instances of heroism in our community, it is just as vital that those who provide everyday acts of compassion and support are also recognised. It cannot be underestimated how important such a role is for those in the islands who are facing some of the most difficult experiences of their life. I am pleased to ensure that George receives a small recognition of how important his work is to our community.”
Their Majesties The King and Queen will join MSPs at the official opening of the Scottish Parliament’s Seventh Session on Saturday 27 June. The ceremony will include an address by His Majesty, formally opening the new parliamentary session. Following the ceremony, Their Majesties will attend a reception with individuals chosen as “local heroes” from constituencies and regions across Scotland.
Coleen Macleod, Senior Charge Nurse at the Ambulatory Care Unit, praised George’s long-standing commitment. She said: “We are very proud of George and his commitment to his patients and to his nursing career. He was one of the original nurses to start giving Chemotherapy to Western Isles patients and has been doing so since 2002.”
George began working for NHS Western Isles in 1990 as an Auxiliary Nurse in Lewis Hospital before starting his nursing training the following year. While working in the Surgical Ward at Western Isles Hospital, he completed Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) training in 2000.
He went on to become one of the first nurses to deliver chemotherapy locally in 2002 and has worked as a full-time SACT nurse ever since.
George is part of a dedicated chemotherapy team that includes Sophie Macleod, Jacqueline Macdonald, Fiona Campbell and Sandra Mackenzie, and is line managed by Coleen Macleod. He is keen to highlight the role of the wider team in delivering care across the islands.
He said: “I am very fortunate to be part of such a dedicated, selfless and clinically competent team. Every one of them is a hero to me. My initial reaction was a bit of embarrassment and thinking ‘why me?’ but I quickly realised though that I must only have been nominated to represent the chemo team as a whole – and their exceptional work deserves to be recognised.”
Donald Maclean, Ness
Donald died on the morning of Friday 22 May. The news filtered through the group and there were expressions of sadness and regret. For a considerable period of time Donald had been a regular attendee at our group enjoying the camaraderie until his treatment meant he had to remain at home. We missed him. He was a man well versed in the lore of his home area, and this led to his conversations with Dr Finlay Macleod. Two historians of significantly different backgrounds earnestly in discussion. Cancer brings us together and matters that might divide us in other circumstances no longer hold sway. Differences meld into the common bond that brings us together. For Donald we had much respect.
To Cathie Ina, his wife and the family, we offer our sincere condolences. We held one minutes silence in his memory on Friday 29 May.
Malcolm J Macleod
(Known to us all as Mocco.)
Mocco died at around 3pm on 19 May 2025. He was surrounded by much love not just from his family but from the members of the Men’s Cancer Group. We lived his last few months with him, and he shared his difficult decisions with us around ongoing treatment. And we understood. He attended regularly at the group until his illness meant that he could not come. We spoke of him each Friday. We all signed a card to him and delivered it to his home. We are going to miss him for he was a very popular member of our group. He always engaged in our discussions, and these are often difficult.
To Agnes and his family, we offer sincere condolences. These last few weeks, in particular, have been very difficult for you and we grieved with you. We hope that going forward you may have peace, secure in the knowledge that Mocco remains a wonderful memory for us all. On Friday we held one minutes silence in memory of Mocco.
