SIBBS Newsletter, Winter 2021

SIBBS Newsletter, Winter 2021 | www.tcf.org.uk 6 Butterflies by Anna Mackland My wonderful big brother David died on the 14th Oct 2020 after a short illness leading to a sudden cardiac arrest. He was 47 and was born with a heart condition. Although he had his challenges growing up; recovering from open heart surgery, multiple hospital appointments, missing time at school, unable to engage in most sports, I never remember hearing him moan or complain. He was my best friend growing up. Few people would know of David’s early life challenges, and he went on to set up an amazing life with his wife and 2 children in Scotland, pushing personal boundaries and contributed massively in his local community. Although he worked full time he also volunteered with Carnoustie Council with various projects: beach litter picking, street Christmas light co-ordinating, scout leading, and setting up a Facebook covid support group as a lifeline for those struggling during the pandemic. He did this all humbly and quietly, making a difference without making a song and dance about it. One project he worked on during covid was encouraging the community to come together to paint stones of hope during the pandemic. These stones became a caterpillar weaving it’s way round Carnoustie park. We found out after David died that it had been his idea for the caterpillar to transform into a butterfly, creating a permanent art installation of hope for the community. The Carnoustie butterfly was unveiled a week after the first anniversary of David’s