Tree planted in memory of former Greenock care home resident

An apple tree donated by local fundraisers Jaswinder Kaur and James Crawford has been planted on the grounds Balclutha Court Care Home in memory of former resident Annie Cameron, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

There were emotional scenes as the generous duo joined Balclutha staff and Annie’s daughter Fiona, who stays at the Greenock care facility, to plant the tree across from Fiona’s bedroom window.

The kind-hearted pair also had a plaque made to commemorate Annie, which was placed underneath the newly planted tree.

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The pair told the Tele that a single text had set off the chain of events which led to the tree being planted.

Jaswinder said: “It all started when I got a message from James saying he had four apple trees that I could have if I wanted them.

“I texted Karen at Balclutha and I also reached out to Wellington Nursery to see if they would like one of the trees.

“From there it just snowballed until we ended up here.

“It went from a conversation between James and I about what to do with the trees, to this. We couldn’t have made this story up.

“James and I felt that we wanted to do something special with the trees rather than just giving them away to anyone.

“I just had a good feeling and I’m glad that this has helped to make people smile.

“We were just happy to be able to help do something good.”

James, who works at Tesco, had been given the four apple trees from his work to donate to good causes.

He said: “The idea initially was just to donate a tree, but when I found out what it was for I felt we had to do something a wee bit more.

“I suggested that we could maybe do a wee plaque, but we only had 24 hours to make that happen.

“I managed to get Max Spielmann [personalised prints and gifts company] in my work to do something up and they were kind enough to donate it for free, which I wasn’t expecting.

“We also picked up some plants as well and a wee cake.

“I’m so happy it’s turned out this way.”

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Fiona has today paid tribute to her kind and loving mother who passed away earlier this year aged 85 following a period of illness.

She said she was grateful for Jaswinder and James’s ‘special’ gesture.

She added: “My mum died and I’ve got her in my heart now and I miss her.

“My mum was always happy and cheerful, she knew how to make you laugh.

“She was always there for me.

“She was a very loving mum and so kind.

“I know she’s always looking down on me.”