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| CalMac’s “shining star”awarded MBE | |
| 29 December 2007 Staff and customers at ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne are celebrating the award of an MBE to Eric Ruthven, clerical assistant in the company’s Mail Room at Support Services in Gourock. Eric (43), from Dunoon, has been working with CalMac for nearly 11 years and has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List. The Honour has been awarded for services to the community in Dunoon, Argyll. After leaving school, Eric attended the Fitzgerald Centre in Greenock and was involved in several courses at James Watt College in Greenock as a student within the faculty of learning support. During his regular ferry travel from Dunoon to Gourock, he established a rapport with members of staff in CalMac offices, on the ships and with fellow travellers. He made several personal contacts during this time with staff, who were always keen to have him in the Gourock office helping out until it was time for his ferry back to Dunoon. An approach from his tutor led to Eric being offered work on a more formal basis after an initial period of unpaid work, one day a week. Gradually it became apparent that CalMac staff were able to offer considerable support to Eric who has gone on to considerably enhance his writing, reading and communication skills, leading to greatly improved levels of personal assurance and self-confidence. Eric has now been employed as Clerical Assistant with the Company since January 1997. Eric Ruthven is now well-known to most regular travellers on the Gourock to Dunoon ferry and is a much-admired member of staff. CalMac Chairman Peter Timms said: “Eric is a remarkable individual who has overcome his Downs Syndrome disability to achieve astonishing results which have had a significant effect on the wellbeing of many other people including his immediate family responsibilities. This has elevated him to his unchallenged status as CalMac’s most popular member of staff in the Support Services operation at Gourock. He now takes his share of responsibility in the Mailroom operation and handles other responsibilities related to Brochure distribution. CalMac staff continue to contribute to Eric’s wellbeing in cooperation with his medical and social advisers. He is a fully integrated, highly motivated and hugely popular member of the CalMac community. He is unfailingly willing and helpful, and extremely popular with staff and customers alike.” As well as working with CalMac, Eric spends a lot of his own time raising money for various charities, church activities and local community causes, through sponsored walks and runs in particular. He has raised many thousands of pounds through his remarkable efforts and continues to amaze with his diligence, commitment and achievement. His most recent triumphs include participating in the Dunoon Relay for Life annually where he has raised over £1,000 on each occasion for Cancer Research UK Scotland out of a total of £30,000. Speaking on behalf of all his colleagues, CalMac Managing Director Lawrie Sinclair said: “Eric has met some massive challenges throughout his life with remarkable fortitude and a great deal of humour and resourcefulness. None of this has affected his cheerfulness, his friendships, his commitment to CalMac, or his willingness to raise money for charities while he is able. He is a remarkable individual who has led a lifetime of achievement. This award has brought a great deal of satisfaction to us all and we share in the privilege of knowing and working with our very own shining star!” Ends. | |
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