Ten minutes with. . . May Gilchrist.

May 29 2009 by Edwin Lawrence

Edwin Lawrence chats with the woman who spearheads fundraising for one of the most deserving charities around – the Malcolm Sargent House at Prestwick, a holiday home run by CLIC Sargent for children and young people with cancer.

But who is the woman behind the hard-working, glamorous, professional image?

I believe you're originally from Prestwick, May?

Although I now live in Ayr, I grew up in Prestwick and went to Glenburn Primary and Prestwick Academy. I am the second youngest of originally eight siblings, but unfortunately my twin died at birth and my older brother Bryan died at 9 months. My 86-year-old mum (she’ll kill me for mentioning her age) is still at home and sharp as a tack and is a whiz at crosswords.

What was your first job?

My first job at 16 was as an office junior with Prestwick Town Council. I always wanted to fly to exotic countries, and five years later I secured a job as an air hostess with BA – so I finally got to see many of the world’s exotic airports!

How long have you been in your present role?

This August, I will have been working for CLIC Sargent, based at Malcolm Sargent House, for 10 years – where did the time go?

I believe Malcolm Sargent House is about to mark its 20th anniversary?

Yes, 20 years this September. The house was originally opened by Princess Diana in September 1989. In 2010 we are gearing up for some celebrations with the return of our carnival and hopefully a royal visit.

Has the credit crunch made it harder to raise charity cash?

The downturn in the economy has impacted on so many local businesses that all charities are bound to feel the backlash in the long term. The support we receive from the people of Ayrshire has not let up so far but we can’t afford to be complacent and we need their generosity and support during these difficult times.

What are your main fundraising events?

In Ayrshire my main fundraisers are our Ladies Night, Annual Ball and the hilarious Boxing Day Dip “wi’ a nip” which went global last year with dips taking place in Australia and Germany. This year we are going for the Guinness Book of Records attempt for the largest number of people running into the water on Boxing Day for one charity. I already have 11 dips set up in Scotland, one in Australia and one in Germany. We are looking for people to come forward with a friend who could organise one in Canada or the US. As for the Ladies Night and our Annual Ball, these are both major events in the Ayrshire social calendar with bookings being taken the day after the event finishes.

What do you do to unwind away from the pressure of fundraising?

Anyone with a stressful job should get a cat – or four in my case! Wee Tinkerbell is blind and has an expensive thyroid problem but you can’t put a price on what I get back from her and the three boys – my moggies are living stress-busters.

What was your first car, and what kind of car do you currently drive?

My first car was a black Mini Clubman with a coat hanger for an aerial and purple studded velvet interior that resembled a coffin – I bought this for £500 from a friend, Tommy Bennett before he became the successful businessman he is today, and sold it for £400 three years later. I now drive a grey Mercedes.

What's your idea of a perfect meal?

My favourite starter is scallops. My favourite main course is swordfish in garlic. My favourite desert is sticky toffee pudding.

If you could sit down to dinner with six people, living or dead, who would they be?

Easy: Me… George Clooney (eye candy), Ricky Gervais and Robin Williams (for the fun element), David Niven (for his amazing life and intellect) and Jamie Oliver who is young, good looking but best of all he can cook… oh, and not forgetting my long suffering husband David. By the way, did you notice I didn’t invite any women?

You're a very vivacious, positive person, May. How do you manage to stay so upbeat when you must encounter more tragedy than most of us could cope with?

I am inspired by the strength of character of the children and families I meet day to day. Their positive attitude, bearing in mind what they are going through, makes everything pale into insignificance. I am definitely a "glass half full" person, and I think in my job it’s a must have.

What do you think of the big stooshie over MPs expenses?

How can I put this – shocking! The MPs who have been appointed by the people are basically abusing the system and stealing from their constituents. For all those who have claimed for their “moat cleaning” and “cat food bills", what about all the families whose children are touched by cancer or leukemia who struggle to pay their mortgages and expenses. Who gives them a helping hand? I am utterly disgusted, and everyone of them should stand up and be accountable.

What would surprise people about May Gilchrist?

This is true – I asked my husband to marry me the first time we met, which was 29 February, 1980 (the one day in a leap year that a woman can do this). He said NO but I pestered him to take me out on a date, and I've not been able to get rid of him since – just kidding sweetheart!