Almost 70 years after leaving the Hereford Regiment of the Women's Royal Air Force (WRAF), Morag MacFarlane has been supported by the Connections for Life service offered to veterans by the RAF Association.
Following the death of her husband, and with her sons no longer living locally, the retired social worker from Prestwick could quite easily have found herself alone, were it not for volunteer Iona Docherty.
"After Bill passed away, Iona came into my life just when I needed her the most," recalled Morag, "and she's been like an angel to me ever since."
"We hit it off instantly, and we see each other every week to visit cafes, go shopping, or just to meet for a cup of tea and a chat. We're almost like sisters."
Iona, who herself has overcome personal difficulties, including lengthy treatment for a complex and rare auto immune disorder, has also benefitted from her new relationship with Morag.
Iona said,
"Once I recovered from my treatment I wanted to give something back to society, and because I'd always dreamt of joining the RAF, I thought that helping veterans would be a perfect way of doing that.
"Meeting Morag has helped me get my confidence back after my recovery, and realise what a difference I can make to someone's life."
Since they met, Iona has helped Morag look to the future by taking her to the shops, and on days out to local tourist spots such as the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Ayr. She's also helped her to arrange a summer visit from Morag's sister and niece, who live in Australia.
Morag is a part of the RAF family because of her service.
"I had to give up my career in the Forces when I was just 18, as I had to return home to Scotland to care for my mother. Decades later, while Bill was in hospital and I was wondering who to turn to, I was told that even though I'd served for less than two years, I was still entitled to receive support from the Association.
"I'd never have thought of approaching them, but I'm so glad I did, as Iona has helped me so much since I met her, and I'm looking forward to many more happy days with her."
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