A HIGH-flying Gourock woman celebrated her retirement and birthday by raising much-needed funds for a dementia charity.

Kind-hearted Kendal Paterson, centre, who works with British Airways at Heathrow, invited all her friends and family to the Royal Gourock Yacht Club for her 55th birthday.

And instead of presents she asked guests to donate money to Alzheimer’s Scotland.

Kendal has watched close friends care for loved ones with the illness in recent years and wanted to show her support.

She said: “I am retiring from British Airways and I wanted to celebrate my 55th birthday. I really wanted to say thanks to all my family and friends for their support over the years.

“This was a party for them. But I wanted to do something to help others.”

The Heathrow-based purser takes charge of cabin crews on long haul flights all over the world.

But after nearly 30 years she has decided to step down.

To say thank you to all those who have supported her, she organised the party to raise money for the charity.

Kendal added: “So many people are touched by dementia and I have watched close friends suffering when their loved ones are diagnosed.

“It is so hard for everyone involved.”

By the end of her party Kendal had collected £450 for Alzheimer’s Scotland Inverclyde.

The money raised by Kendal will help fund vital projects in Inverclyde.
Alzheimer’s Scotland run a local day care service as well as a dementia friends initiative.

They also support various groups in the community like Morton Memories and the Alzheimer Cafe.