East End woman's lifetime of kindness and compassion rewarded with a BEM

A former home help who's devoted her life to caring for others was awarded a British Empire Medal today Monday 20 March at Glasgow City Chambers at 2 pm.

Lord Provost Sadie Docherty in her role as Lord Lieutenant presented the medal to Agnes Fullerton (83) of Shettleston.

The Lord Provost said: "Agnes is a remarkable woman who's dedicated her life to helping others. It's people like Agnes who make Glasgow such a special place. Her kindness and sense of compassion is humbling. It's a privilege to be able to honour her today."

Agnes said: "I grew up in London Road, Bridgeton, with eight of a family, five sisters and two brothers. My mother was left a widow at the age of 44. My gran stayed across the road and I looked after her when I was quite young. I think it was just in my nature."

As well as working as a home help, Agnes volunteered for decades at the now closed Belvidere Hospital Café.

Throughout her adult life, the busy mum of son, Stuart and daughter, Carol, also visited countless lonely and sick people, young and old, through her local church connections, whom she felt would appreciate a visit. These visits could be at hospital, in nursing homes or within individuals own homes.

Agnes said: "I like to be a Christian lady and I do what I do for my Lord. That's the way I see it. I never give it a thought. It's to show that you are concerned about people. It's in my nature to do these kind of things.

"A lot of people sit in their house and nobody bothers with them. Over the years, I just put on my coat, got on the bus and visited people and had a wee blether. There's always a cup of tea set out on a table.

"I don't think about my age. I'm very blessed. My church, Easterhill Community Church, is a great support. We're a big family. My sisters were in the Salvation Army and we all went to church.

"I got the shock of my life when I learned I was getting this award. I don't think about what I do. Since I was a child, I liked to help people without wanting praise or honour."

Agnes, who nursed her mother and four sisters at the end of their lives, only put her lifetime of volunteering on hold when her husband John's health deteriorated. She nursed him at home through alzheimer's and cancer.

Agnes explained: "I thought, I cannot look after other people when my husband's ill. So I retired a wee bit early and looked after him in the house."

She continues to volunteer and cares for her daughter Carol.