‘Shopaholic’ gives own garments to aid terminal patient

Jacqueline Johnstone, who lives in Longniddry, first heard of the 34-year-old woman’s plight through friend Tracey Cochrane, 33, who has been using her Facebook page “Tracey’s Treasures” to sell homemade jewellery to raise money for the terminally ill woman, who has two children aged six and 16.

Thanks to their fundraising efforts a static caravan in Innerleithen, in the Borders, has been purchased where the family will be able to spend time together after she is released from hospital.

However, restoration work is needed to make the caravan properly habitable – allowing it to become a permanent palliative care facility.

Tracey, who lives in Tranent, said: “It needs to be  completely rewired, and the seating has been affected by damp. The flooring also needs to be replaced, so we would like to put in new carpets.”

Jacqueline, 54, who won her Miss East Lothian title in the 70s, added: “I’ve always been a bit of a shopaholic. I’ve donated eight rails of clothing, 40 pairs of shoes and 20 handbags, with all proceeds going towards the retreat home. It’s been selling well so far, and other people have been donating their own items too, so there’s still lots to go!”

The family of the woman currently being treated in hospital did not wish to be  identified.

It is hoped that in future the retreat will be used by other families coping with terminal illness.

Jacqueline’s clothes will be on sale at Affordable Kitchen’s and Bathrooms, Unit 1, 115b Rear High Street, Tranent, between 12-4pm every Sunday in the run-up to Christmas. They can also be bought at the Christmas Fair in Tranent Town Hall on Friday 23rd November from 12.30pm, where there will also be a  Santa’s Grotto.