Charlene outshone 
the First Minister       

By Craig Robertson SOMETIMES politicians say what you want to hear, sometimes they say the last thing you want to hear. And sometimes what they say is exactly right. First Minister Jack McConnell was in Rachel House in Kinross on Tuesday night. He first visited in March to get a feel for the excellent work done there and to show his support for The Sunday Post’s campaign to help build a second hospice. He and his wife Bridget came away deeply moved by what they experienced and vowed to return.  Christmas seemed an ideal time, and Tuesday was also Rachel House’s Christmas concert.

Charlene delivers her reading.

It was — as it almost always is in that amazing place — a very happy occasion. There were Christmas hymns, a piper, a prayer and a heartfelt reading by Mr McConnell. He was introduced by the Rev Kay as “the First Minister, but not a real minister!” which got a good laugh. Mr McConnell made special mention in his speech of “Sunday Post editor David Pollington and his team for the hard work they have done for the hospice week in and week out”. Knock-about panto There was more singing and a comical knock-about panto routine by the hospice staff before mince pies were served. All in all it was a great night. But with all respect to the First Minister — and I know he agrees — his reading didn’t steal the show. It was the words of 14-year-old Charlene Gay that moved hearts and minds. I first met her in March and told her story. She is a relentlessly upbeat and determined young lady who is the only person in the UK to suffer from Retro Peritoneal, a condition which means a debilitating tumour is growing inside her. In March she was unwavering in her ambition to become a medical photographer and wasn’t prepared to let her illness stand in her way. Sadly, her ill health has become more and more of an obstacle and Charlene and her mum Margaret have lived full-time in Rachel House since September. That means she is enjoying unrivalled one-to-one care and her mum can get a break from the day-to-day rigours of looking after her. But it is also a sure sign that her condition is becoming progressively worse. Undaunted However, undaunted by that knowledge or the presence of the First Minister, Charlene bravely went to the front of the assembled throng and delivered her festive message. If anyone knows the true meaning of Christmas, and the truth of some people having more than others, it is Charlene. She represents what Rachel House is all about. Shortly after her moving speech, Jack McConnell told me, “Christmas has become a very materialistic affair for many people, but on occasions like this we remember it’s about more than gifts or getting time off work. “Everyone in Scotland should have heard Charlene’s words. Everyone in Scotland should take time to remember the children who don’t have everything they have.  “You don’t need to feel guilty about enjoying yourself, but make a point of thinking about them — and of giving to them.  “The Sunday Post campaign for the new hospice is a fantastic appeal and everyone in Scotland should support it.” Exactly right As I said, sometimes what politicians say is exactly right.  “I was quite moved by the whole experience,” continued the First Minister.  “A mixture of sadness that many of these children might not perhaps see another Christmas, but also hope and happiness because the hospice and staff are so upbeat. “This is a very special place, for lots of reasons.  “The staff give more than anyone could expect and the families themselves are special.  “It is so important not just to the children who are ill but to their brothers and sisters.  “They all clearly enjoy it here and I’m glad I’ve been able to keep in touch since my first visit. “I enjoyed talking to the children and parents and hearing from the “horse’s mouth” how much Rachel House means to them. “In particular, I was inspired by Charlene and her reading.  “I know her diagnosis is not good, but she told me she is determined to get to the Hogmanay Party at Stirling Castle and I wouldn’t bet against her doing so.” Nor would I.

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