Myself Donald Gillies plus some family and friends of Jennifer are raising monies for cancer support. By walking the West Highland Way starting on the 18th April 2026 at Fortwilliam and finishing at Jennifer's home town Milngavie. Money raised will be giving to The cancer Support Group Islay and half raised will then be given to the Beatson Cancer charity as per Jennifer's wishes.

Jennifer (Rutherford) Gillies was a truly amazing, remarkable, beautiful, creative accomplished, Artist and a kind, caring person. She was a wonderful wife, daughter, sister, Aunt, Mother Granny Island and a fantastic loving friend to so many others along her life's journey. She is sadly missed and fondly remembered by the community on Islay at large and family and friends near and far.

Jennifer was always giving to others including teaching creative arts to many from her after leaving college in the 80's right up until just before her passing.

When diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer after a long remission, Jennifer received from Family, friends and SNHS the most kind, compassionate, professional care until the end where she died peacefully at home on Islay in my arms on the morning of the 22 August 25.

Along with her Friends Jo, Sharron (RIP) and Agnes she was a force in getting the Cancer Support Group Islay set up. Only recently the Islay community podcast won a Scottish media award and the chosen podcast has Jennifer talking about living with stage 4 cancer. Also one of Jennifer's final wishes or commands! was I needed to walk the West Highland way and raise money for her two chosen charities. This was a request I wasn't going to miss. like it or not I was to walk the walk in memory of Jennifer to help others. Jennifer and Rhona completed the WHW in 2010 and both found the trek extremely rewarding. So her wish shall be fulfilled along with some brave family and friend volunteers that have being conscripted to march along to my jokes for a week. I will consider doing a sponsored silence for a very substantial donation for the route walks days!

Please give to this worthwhile causes

if you can.

May Jennifer rest in peace and her memory live on.

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