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18th
August 2005
Brenda McKellan - An inspiration to us all
Since
being diagnosed with a terminal, crippling condition Brenda
McKellan has defied the odds and been an inspiration to all
of us, touching the lives of children around the world. Positive
News investigates.
Since
being established in 1989, many people have contributed to the
work of Positive Steps through fundraising and volunteering.
The commitment of supporters has always provided great encouragement
to Positive Steps staff as they carry out their good work around
the world, and over the past year one very special lady in particular
has shown incredible support despite her own heartbreaking circumstances.
Four
years ago Brenda McKellan, a wife and mother with a zest for
life and a passion for horse riding was told she had only three
years to live. She had been diagnosed with the rare wasting
disease Systematic Sclerosis over 20 years previously, and when
her symptoms suddenly worsened her family were told that her
active lifestyle would come to a rapid end with the onset of
the later stages of the condition.
4
years later however and Brenda has defied the predication of
her doctors, and despite being in severe pain and on heavy medication,
has amazed her friends and family by dedicating herself to helping
others around the world through one of her remaining passions
– knitting.
Brenda’s
son, Graham, has worked in Romanian children’s hospitals
for several years, and shortly after her symptoms, which include
rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and fibrosis of the lungs began
to worsen, Brenda began to knit blankets and clothing for the
children. Four years later, and Brenda now dedicates a large
part of her life to knitting, and after hearing about the work
of Positive Steps through her church has donated hundreds of
items of clothing for children in Positive Steps projects from
India to Tanzania. Recently, the mountain of clothing being
produced has begun to rise even more rapidly, as Brenda has
inspired Lee Hall, a young friend of the family who also lives
with several health problems, to join her in her endeavour.
Meeting
Brenda is a wonderful experience. In their home in Chryston,
near Glasgow, Brenda and her husband Andrew, her full time carer,
greet visitors warmly, and Brenda’s cheerful outlook on
life is in stark contrast to the oxygen tank which now sits
by her side. Brenda loves showing off her knitting, but is humble
when asked why she has spent hundreds of hours on blankets and
baby clothes “It just keeps me busy. And my granddaughter
loves to play with all the wool and buttons”
Positive
Steps director Christine McPhail is less coy when asked about
Brenda’s motivation. “She just loves helping
others, and it’s her wonderful Christian faith and the
thought that so many people from new born babies to the elderly
in countries around the world will have warmth and comfort through
her knitting that keeps her going.”
As
Brenda continues to knit, despite now being housebound and in
increasing pain, she defies her doctors and amazes us all with
her compassion for others and her enthusiasm for life.
For Positive Steps, Brenda is truly an incredible supporter.
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