A local Food Train charity worker, Marri Welsh, has been nominated as Cunninghame South’s Local Hero by Ruth Maguire MSP.
Last month, all 129 MSPs were invited to nominate a constituent who makes a positive difference to the lives of others – often with little recognition – as their Local Hero. Food Train is a charity which supports volunteers to deliver essential shopping to older people, and is celebrating its 21stbirthday this year. Marri Welsh is a regional manager for the charity and brought its work to North Ayrshire in 2015.
On Saturday 2 July, all Local Heroes will come to Holyrood as part of the Scottish Parliament’s Opening Ceremony events to mark the start of a new parliamentary session.
The day will include:
- Her Majesty the Queen addressing MSPs in the Chamber
- Local Heroes taking part in the ‘Riding’ procession down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, along with around 2,000 other participants in a colourful, historic tradition. The Riding will feature people from all walks of public life and local community groups, plus music and entertainment
- Holyrood’s ‘Big Day Out’ – a fun packed afternoon for all the family. With a programme that has something for everyone, the gardens and doors of the Parliament will be open to all to explore, observe and participate in a full programme of events, including a mini-Highland games, Music and Dance, Science and Nature, Art activities for Kids, and much more.
Commenting on her decision to nominate Marri and Food Train, Ruth said:
‘As the fifth session of the Scottish Parliament gets under way, it’s right that the people of Scotland are placed at the heart of our events. Together with my fellow MSPs, we want to celebrate the achievements of our Local Heroes from across every constituency and region in Scotland. Marri’s work is truly inspirational, having a transformational impact on the lives of older people who rely on Food Train to deliver their essential shopping, working against loneliness, and allowing older people to live in their own homes.’
Responding to her nomination, Marri said:
‘I am absolutely delighted to have been nominated as a Local Hero and attend this wonderful occasion with Ruth. Food Train has been providing services for older people across Scotland for 21 years. As an Ayrshire girl, I was thrilled to bring our vital shopping service to North Ayrshire in 2015. Our services are delivered by a team of volunteers, every one of them a local hero in Food Train’s eyes, and I am thrilled to represent all of them, and our organisation, on this very memorable day’
Watch out for news and photos from the event tomorrow!
If you or someone you know would benefit from Food Train’s shopping service, or you would like to find out more about volunteering, please contact Marri on 01294 271 025 or email marri@thefoodtrain.co.uk.
Ruth Maguire MSP 