Therapist bequeaths farmhouse as haven for paralysed patients
A woman who dedicated her life to the rehabilitation of patients in Scotland has left her home to people with spinal injuries, providing a haven from hospital.
Vivienne Donaldson, who worked as an occupational therapist in Glasgow, bequeathed her share of an 18th century farmhouse to the charity Spinal Injuries Scotland when she died, stating in her will that it was to be used as accommodation for patients and their families.
The unusual terms also said the charity could move in only after her relatives had finished using the property.
The C-listed home in Clober Farm, Milngavie, is now empty and plans have been drawn up to make the alterations necessary for wheelchair users and their families.
Overlooking a lush green garden, lined with Scots pines, Ms Donaldson’s former home is expected to offer patients who have been paralysed and spent months in hospital some tranquillity and privacy with their loved ones.
A number of potential uses have been discussed. Patients who are still being treated at the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injury Unit in Glasgow may be able to spend weekends there with their relatives.
It could also provide a stop-gap for people who are ready to be discharged but cannot go home because they are waiting for equipment and adaptations to their own house.
Such patients can end up living in district general hospitals or even care homes during the delay.
David Allan, director of the unit, said the bequest was a big surprise. He said: “This lady, a professional in the area, had very clear ideas about an unmet need and the bequest has to be used in that way. I think that is quite important.”
Ms Donaldson was born in 1924 and spent most of her life in Glasgow. She served as a Naafi manager during the Second World War, beginning her training to become an occupational therapist afterwards.
Her relatives say at first her job focused on keeping patients occupied with sedate activities such as making baskets.
Later, however, she began assessing disabled people in their homes for aids that could make their lives easier and eventually helped rehouse patients with injuries including spinal damage.
Ms Donaldson’s youngest sister, Evelyn Haddow, 80, said: “She was dedicated to her work and was thought of very highly by her patients and colleagues.
“One of her proudest moments was when she was introduced to the Queen, who had come to Glasgow to open some purpose-built accommodation.”
The home she shared with her beloved dogs, which has walls more than a metre thick, will now become a model for patients. Alan Cook, project manager for Spinal Injuries Scotland, said they intended to install the latest fixtures and fittings, including two different styles of bathroom, to show new wheelchair users how their own homes could be adjusted.
An oval extension with floor-to-ceiling glass panels and a grassed roof is to be added. The charity is seeking to raise £200,000 to cover the rennovation costs.
Mr Cook, who broke his neck five years ago and is paralysed below the sternum, said he would have loved the option of visiting Clober when he was being treated.
“Weekends are the longest in the unit,” he said. “The physio and occupational therapists are not there and the days just drag. What I craved most was normality.”
Originally part of one large farmhouse, Ms Donaldson’s property is on the ground floor and includes the original door dated 1725. Neighbour Violet Bryce, who grew up in the building, said she still missed ‘Viv’, who died from cancer in 1996 at the age of 72, having never married.
Since then any relatives who needed it have been able to stay in her home, but now the family say they are looking forward to seeing Ms Donaldson’s final wishes carried out.
Her younger sister Iris Donaldson, 83, said: “I was pleased that she left her home to Spinal Injuries Scotland.
“I thought it was a lovely thing to do. It is a most attractive house.”
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