Funeral donations boost appeal

Donations at the funeral of an Inverness pensioner raised almost £500 towards a new children's ward at Raigmore Hospital.

The family of Willie Oman decided to collect money for the children's ward appeal after reading about it in The Inverness Courier.

The 86-year-old, of Drakies Avenue, passed away at Raigmore on 6th April after a stroke which followed a six-month period of failing health.

"During the last six months, he received wonderful care and attention from all staff in a number of wards in the hospital," explained daughter Jane Attwood. "We considered the appeal would benefit a local charity and sick children throughout the North of Scotland."

Mr Oman's wife, Christine, also worked as a staff nurse at Raigmore for many years.

Launched by the ARCHIE Foundation and supported by The Inverness Courier, the £1 million appeal aims to transform the existing children's ward at Raigmore into a child-centred and family-friendly environment with improved facilities and new equipment.

Mr Oman was born in Caithness in 1924 and worked in an administration role for British Rail throughout his life until his retirement in 1982. He leaves his wife, Christine, children Jane and Deirdre and grandchildren Ross and Lucy.