A loving daughter has paid tribute to her caring mother who sadly lost her second battle with cancer earlier this year.
Margaret Fraser, 67, from Dalkeith, passed away at Midlothian Community Hospital on September 11 after being diagnosed with blood and bone cancer. Her daughter Stacy Fraser, 31, has organised a memorial rideout fundraiser in her horse loving mum’s memory.
She hopes to raise as much money as possible for the Loan Esk palliative care ward at the hospital that treated her mother with the utmost respect and dignity in her final five months.
READ MORE - Edinburgh hotel hits back after tourists 'leave immediately' after check in
Stacy describes her mum as a “mother to all” and someone that would be there to offer straight talking advice and love. She says that she was not one known for sugar coating her opinions but would always be there at the drop of a hat.
Margaret loved animals and worked at Edinburgh and Lasswade Riding School where she cared for multiple horses - including her own beloved Hugo who passed away in 2021. The rideout will be an opportunity for all those that knew her to pay their respects after a private funeral was held for the mum of six and grandmother of ten.
On her mum, Stacy said: “My mum meant so much to me and was always there whenever I needed help. She was one of these people who was straight to the point.
“She would never sugar coat anything and would not shy away from being blunt. Her greatest quality was that she was always there for anyone who needed it.
“After a domestic incident my children had to go into foster care and she helped me rebuild my strength to get my kids back. She made me realise my kids needed me and that is what is keeping me going at this moment.
“She co-parented them alongside me as both of their fathers were absent. But she was not only a parent to them, she would also offer advice and be there for my friends if they ever needed help..
“She dedicated her life to working at the stables and worked two jobs to ensure that my brother could keep a pony. I remember she taught me how to drive but often joked that I was a danger behind the wheel.
“My mum was always extremely stubborn, right until the end she did not want to make a fuss. It took three visits to the doctor for her to go to hospital.
“She had fought cancer two years prior and had a kidney removed. But one day she could not get up to go to the bathroom and was experiencing severe discomfort.
“We called an ambulance for her and she was taken to hospital where she was not treated with the best of care. The doctors told her that she had bone cancer and that it was also in her blood.
“When she called me she told me had six months to live and after that she just burst into tears. It was the first time I had ever heard her cry.”
From there Margaret was transferred to Midlothian Community Hospital for palliative care. Stacy says that the staff at the hospital went above and beyond for her mother - something that she will be eternally grateful for.
Stacy says that they ensured she was comfortable and that they would often sit with her late at night when she was afraid to go to sleep. They also tried to accommodate her every need and even allowed the family to sneak in McDonald’s breakfasts and latte treats.
She continued: “They were absolutely fantastic with my mum. They would allow for us to bring in her wee Jack Russel and also allowed my kids to visit even though they were under the age of sixteen.
“They ensured her hygiene was looked after and everything they did was to make sure she was as comfortable as possible. On the day she passed away a staff member consoled me and gave me the strength to return to the room.
“You could tell that the staff there did not just see their work as a means to earn a wage as they genuinely cared. This is why I want to support them through this fundraiser as although they provide such excellent care, they do need some extra support for more equipment.
“My mum did so much for others and was a woman of many talents that I feel never got the recognition she deserved. So this rideout will be the perfect opportunity for friends and family to ride along Dunbar beach in her memory.
“She was such a loving caring woman and I could not have asked for anyone better to be my mum. The riding school has been so supportive in providing the horses for the event and we are so grateful to her former boss who was not just a colleague but a friend.
“I am glad we are getting the chance to say goodbye through this memorial rideout and the ride will prove just how loved she was.”
You are able to support the fundraiser for The Midlothian Community Hospital here.
READ MORE -
DVLA warning over £1,000 fine and penalty points for any driver who wears glasses
Warning to all drivers to stop filling their petrol tanks after the first 'click'
Devastated Edinburgh family turned away at the airport gate with ill baby son
Unassuming Edinburgh cafe named one of the best in the world by TripAdvisor
Bride wears cheap black dress at her wedding to get revenge on demanding in-laws
