A breast cancer survivor who set up a group to help others with the disease in the Western Isles has been awarded the British Empire Medal for her work.
Mary MacLeod said yesterday she was “gobsmacked” to receive the honour.
The 80-year-old is convener of the Lewis and Harris Breast Cancer Support Group, which she helped to launch in April 1998.
The organisation now provides information, support and courses to patients on the island.
Mrs MacLeod, of Stornoway, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994 when she lived in England and had a total mastectomy.
She said: “When I came back to Lewis from England, there was a huge gap in that service for people like me, who needed support, information and to share experiences.
“This honour may be for me but there are a lot of other people who deserve it. My husband Colin helped me set up the group along with a lot of other people.
“I am gobsmacked to receive it.”
The two other Highland recipients of the British Empire Medal are Alexander Firth, of Kirkwall, for voluntary service in Orkney, and Heather McLean, for services to the community in Thurso, Caithness.
New Year Honours: Breast cancer survivor receives award
