TRIBUTES have been paid to a remarkable Irvine woman who spent 50 years volunteering with the local Boys Brigade.
The much-loved May Calderwood died on March 24 at the age of 88. Despite her frail health in recent months, she was determined to hang on to see the wedding of her grandson.
And not even a broken femur and hip could stop her.
While May was unable to travel to Hawick to see grandson Tommy Calderwood's wedding in person, the family set up a live video feed so she could watch the ceremony from Abbotsford Care Home.
Tommy said: "When my gran became really unwell around Christmas time, she said to me, 'I’ll make your wedding even if I need to drag myself there'.
"She then had a fall and broke her femur and hip. That is a massive thing for someone who is 88. But she was determined she would make this wedding, although conceded that she couldn't be there in person as it was held in Hawick.
"She definitely only held on to see that moment and it was the best present anyone could have given me, having my gran there watching.
"As many would say, she’s a fighter and a stubborn one at that because as soon as the wedding was over her health deteriorated."
She rarely missed her Sunday service at the old parish church in Irvine.
Tommy said: "Even at 80-odd-years-old she would still be making sure others are okay before herself, even collecting other people’s prescriptions who lived in the square and taking other people’s bins in."
He revealed: "On Monday last week my gran entered end of life care which usually only takes three days for someone to pass.
"My gran held on until we were back our honeymoon and I got to spend the most incredible time at her bedside.
"I was able to tell her everything I was thankful for and just be there for her to tell her, like she has been my whole life. She held on for eight days so she made sure everyone got to say their goodbyes, still selfless to the end.
"I asked my gran around February if she was scared of dying? As quick as the last word had came out my mouth she replied: 'Naw son, don’t be daft, I’ve got someone better waiting for me up there.'
"My gran was an inspiration to me and I’m sure so many others throughout the years would say the same."
May, who moved to Irvine from Pollok, raised her son Tommy alone after her late husband passed away 47 years ago. She then went on to help raise grandson Tommy.
He said: "The staff at Abbeyfield were absolutely outstanding with the family. The team there were so lovely and helpful, if it wasn’t for them our last moments with May wouldn’t have been as peaceful."
May’s funeral will be held on April 14 at 12.45pm at the Old Parish Church followed by a cremation at Holmsford Bridge Crematorium. A tea will be held at Fullarton Connexions afterwards.
May requested that everyone wear something colourful to her funeral. If anyone from the Boys Brigade would like to wear their uniform and perform a guard of honour that would be greatly appreciated by the family.
The family have asked for no flowers at the home or the service as May used to say 'you shouldn’t cut down what God has living'.
A GoFundMe has been set up here in honour of May, which will be donated to Abbeyfield Care home staff.
There will also be a chance for cash donations at the service.
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