As 2024 drew to a close a big-hearted Rutherglen woman continued with her personal drive to help local good causes.
Around a decade ago local historian Dorothy Connor was told she had a rare type of cancer, which carries only a 30 per cent probability of survival for five years.
But thanks to an early diagnosis and “excellent care” she has been cancer-free for over nine years. Since then she has endeavoured to carry out good works in the community whenever she can.
Most recently, on her birthday, she presented three rose bushes and £100 to Grow 73 which has a community garden within Overtoun Park.
The gardening group has witnessed an incredible rise in the number of its members over the last few years.
The money will be used to maintain the flower bed at the park keeper’s house and the rose-type – You’re my Everything – is Rose of the Year for 2025. It was chosen by Dorothy, as it has a personal link of significance to the memories of both her mum and brother.
“My mum was bedridden for many years and I looked after her,” she said. “One day she woke up and said ‘Dorothy, you’re my everything’. And when the nurse came to see me after my brother died, I said to her, ‘he was my everything’.
“I think we need to celebrate our local amenities in our beautiful town especially in the run up to the Novocentenary [900 years anniversary] in 2026.
“For the fourth year running, Grow 73 have won an ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood Award’ from Keep Scotland Beautiful.”
Dorothy’s kind deed was recognised on the social media pages of Grow 73 where she was described her as a “great supporter”.
The recent Keep Scotland Beautiful Award was also warmly welcomed in a Facebook post by the community group, which said: “We are very pleased to have received for the 4th year running a certificate level 5 Outstanding and Certificate of Distinction from Keep Scotland Beautiful – It’s Your Neighbourhood 2024.
“This award means that the work we do in our community is being noticed and valued. Especially at a time when funding cuts are being made in all sectors and to our green spaces. This is not solely about making our local areas more pleasing through planting and growing for our food and caring for our biodiversity but all of those efforts also help tackle poverty, isolation, loneliness, mental health and much more.
“Your support through donations, taking part in our activities, volunteering all contribute to making our efforts to have a more cohesive, friendly and strong community.
“So thank you to each and everyone of you who believe in our project.”
Grow 73 teamed up with R:evolve Recycle for a Christmas party night and rounded off the year’s events with their Festive Singalong in the community garden.
Grow 73 was established in early 2015 and incorporated as a Scottish charity three years later, its work is delivered by a team of dedicated volunteers. Among its activities are free to attend volunteer sessions, with no experience necessary.
More information visit: https://www.grow73.org
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