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Welcome to Rainbow Valley
Hello and a warm welcome to Rainbow Valley. Rainbow Valley began as a dream, a dream my daughter, Johanna had that never came to fruition for her as she passed away from Leukaemia in 2005 aged 27.
As a family, we will always be grateful for the NHS and its wonderful Medics and Staff. However, during her illness, Johanna and I felt there was something missing. Something we had to find from within that would enhance the treatment being provided by the medical profession.
Johanna felt her disease was being treated and not her mind, body & soul. Diagnosed at 16, she felt a huge loss of control over her future and spoke often of a place where she could access information and the right people to help her take back that control
Her love for Rainbows inspired the name Rainbow Valley.
Offering residential courses and gathering together professionals in their field, we aim to tailor courses and events. A “Can Do” approach will be mastered for those interested in visiting, volunteering or indeed assisting in a positive environment.
Johanna often said to me throughout her cancer journey “I was just born too soon, one day people will know that a cancer diagnosis is not about handing over your health to someone else.”
At Rainbow Valley we work tirelessly to break through those barriers and fill that gap, which in turn will allow people to feel ALL avenues have been explored and that we have allowed them to feel whole and in control again.
There is much to do and many steps still to take but at Rainbow Valley together we will nourish, nurture & educate until everyone knows that there IS something they can do to enhance their wellbeing and live life to the full – to thrive, not just survive.
I feel privileged you have visited our website and hope you will want to be part of our Rainbow Valley Family. Now pop over to our events page and discover that YOU “Can Do” so much to help those affected by cancer.
Thank you.
Angela.
Our Team
Click on a member of the team below to view more about the individual:
Angela MacVicar
Founder, Chairperson/Operations Manager
Angela worked previously for The Anthony Nolan Trust as Scotland & Northern Ireland’s Donor Recruitment Manager. She founded Rainbow Valley in memory of her daughter Johanna. She is a Mother to Brodie, Gemma & Kendall and has 7 grand children.
What makes you smile?
Seeing people benefit and smile from anything I have put effort into.
What are you most grateful for?
Health, Family & Friends
Louise Harkiss
Trustee / Ambassador
Louise Harkiss embarked on her professional journey at John Brown Engineering in Clydebank, then Barclay Curle Complex, where she dedicated 26 years to Clydeforth Engineers. As a mature learner, she pursued a degree in business. Subsequently, she participated in KTP project and the acquisition of additional industry certifications. Recently Louise ventured into consultancy. Her consultancy specialises in ISO accreditations, internal auditing, and providing strategic guidance business growth, health, safety, and compliance matters. She is a Chartered Manager, IOSH technical member and holds two modern apprenticeships.
Bringing the above skills along with 18 years’ experience her passion as a holistic therapist, offering specialised massages and a comprehensive approach to relaxation and wellness is an exceptional addition to Rainbow Valley Board of Trustees.
What makes you smile?
Watching my daughter grow and thrive, this brings me endless joy and pride.
What are you Most Grateful for?
I’m most grateful for my family, friends and health xx
Yvonne Currie
Trustee / Secretary
Yvonne has worked in the corporate world for over 30 years and has had the most amazing and fun career. Passionate about making a difference, Yvonne is a dedicated trustee and volunteer committed to the mission of Rainbow Valley. Having excelled in the corporate world, Yvonne now brings her strategic mindset and business acumen to contribute to Rainbow Valley’s impactful initiatives. Her extensive experience allows her to provide valuable insights and guidance, ensuring the charity’s endeavours align with its long-term goals.
What makes you smile?
People being kind to one another and seeing people laugh and have fun.
What Are You Most Grateful For?
Health, Family & Friends
Kendall Steven
Events Co-ordinator
Kendall is a practicing midwife but started working part time for Rainbow Valley when they were looking for someone to do a few hours of admin. Kendall wanted to be more involved with the charity as it was set up in memory of her sister, Johanna, so when more hours were offered she decided to leave her midwifery post to become a permanent member of the team. She lives with her husband and three children, Bella, Arthur and Freddie.
What makes you smile?
Watching others smile.
What Are You Most Grateful For?
My children.
Steven Donnachie
Treasurer
Steven is the Group Finance Director for Neogen Europe, a Biotechnology business focused on the safety of food and animals. He trained with an Ayrshire firm of Chartered Accountants before joining Neogen in 2005 as Company Accountant shortly after Neogen Corporation US acquired the UK business.
Having seen significant growth in the business, both organically and by acquisition, Steven grew with the business and today is responsible for the Accounting & Finance function across the UK & iEMEA (India, Europe, Middle East & Africa) region. The UK & iEMEA region of Neogen employees around 600 people and globally, Neogen employ around 3,000 people
Steven is married with 3 children and outside of work enjoys motorcycling and going to the gym.
At Neogen, we partner with our customers to protect and enhance the world’s level of food and animal safety. By offering a diverse suite of solutions for the food, beverage, animal protein and agriculture industries, Neogen empowers our customers to safeguard their brands and create better products. We also have the privilege to partner with companies in the companion and performance animal industries, as well as the fields of life sciences and toxicology.
Jane McAllister
Fundraiser
Family is one of Jane’s core values, and she cherishes quality time spent on outings with her husband and two children. Her love for adventure makes this opportunity a thrilling new chapter in her life. Jane’s professional background includes experience as an Events and Entertainment Manager. Furthermore, she is a published author, focusing mainly on children’s literature and colourful books that promote positive affirmations.
What makes you smile?
A coffee in the morning
What are you most grateful for?
Family
You?
Do you have the skills and passion to join us?
Rainbow Valley are currently seeking new Trustees who can bring fresh ideas and contribute their skills to governing and growing the charity.
Please get in touch with angela@rainbowvalley.org.uk
Our Ambassadors
Click on an Ambassador below to view more about the individual:
Collette McCarter
Ambassador
My name is Collette, and I’m 40 years old. A friend introduced me to Rainbow Valley after I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I have never been more thankful. I was fortunate to participate in the Brave to Bare Event in March 2024, which was the most exhilarating and uplifting experience of my life. Following that event, I was lucky enough to secure a place on the 7 Steps to Health residential course, which helped me in ways words can’t fully express, and I want as many people affected by cancer as possible to have an opportunity to experience this course. I am truly honored to have become an ambassador for this incredible charity and to be part of the Rainbow Valley family.
What made you smile today?
Seeing my son every morning brings a smile to my face—he is my whole world!
Sarah Cassidy
Ambassador
My name is Sarah Cassidy. I’m proud to become part of the Rainbow Valley family. I have become an Ambassador for the charity after attending a few events and also taking part in the 2024 B2B which was amazing this led me onto attended the 7 steps course in June 24 and it change my out look on life, how I was important in this world and to look forward to a better life as a 61 yr old woman living with Secondary breast cancer and CLL. When I was asked to join this amazing charity I jumped at the chance to try and help others empower themselves and join the journey to assist Rainbow Valley to achieve their goals.
Jen MacLean
Ambassador
My name is Jen & I am 46 years old. As a relatively fit & healthy person, cancer was never on my radar & I naively believed it never would be. Sadly I learned that cancer doesn’t discriminate when I found a lump on 13th Dec 2022.
I feel so blessed that Rainbow Valley was mentioned to me & I was lucky enough to get a place on the residential course.
The course helped me in so many ways & more importantly the ethos of being ‘more than my cancer diagnosis’ really resonated with me. My cancer diagnosis will not define me as a person but it has certainly made me stronger & more resilient than I have ever been.
Every person who has been affected by cancer deserves a place on this amazing course & I am delighted to now be an Ambassador & part of the Rainbow Valley family 🌈
What made you smile today?
My normally grumpy 14 year old son getting me an ice lolly out the freezer & asking me to watch Love Island with him! . . From Fireman Sam to Love Island in the blink of an eye but I'm blessed to have been there for it all ❤️
Donna Hicks
Ambassador
Rainbow Valley is a family and being asked to be an ambassador was the icing on the cake!
Everyday I will always find something to smile about, no matter what life is throwing at me – Rainbow Valley taught me that! I love being able to raise awareness of the charity and share the benefits with others as well as fundraising whenever I can.
What made you smile today?
I always find something to smile at daily!
Mhairi Taylor
Ambassador
Hello, my name is Mhairi. I’m lucky to be able to say I wear many hats: mum to two beautiful girls, deputy head teacher, and an ambassador at Rainbow Valley. I am blessed to be able to call Johanna my family. Watching her vison of our charity brought to life by her nearest and dearest has been a profound experience. Her vision of supporting those with a diagnosis that we all fear, cancer, through the lens of mental health and well-being is inspirational. So many families have benefited from her vision in their time of trauma, and with the continued work that the charity relentlessly does, many more families will benefit too.
What made you smile today?
Seeing the beautiful sunset over Arran when driving home from work.
Nicola Shea
Ambassador
Rainbow Valley makes me feel like being part of a big supportive family & being an Ambassador allows me to help get the charity the support it needs to continue their amazing work.
What makes you smile?
A picture of my Mum & Granddaughter on social media, so much love for each other
Jennifer Gjini
Ambassador
Being an Ambassador for Rainbow Valley brings me so much joy and satisfaction. I am passionate about spreading brand awareness and have a genuine appreciation for the work Rainbow Valley carry out on a daily basis. I’ve been an Ambassador for 2 tears now and I will continue to work passionately for the team.
What makes you smile?
So many things make me smile, I'm a very happy person. Seeing my children first thing in the morning all sleepy and warm is my favourite thing to make me smile.
Anthony Lowe
Ambassador
I genuinely love being an ambassador for this wonderful charity. When I attended my first Rainbow Valley ball in 2022, I was overwhelmed by the work Angela, Kendall and the rest of the Rainbow Valley team were doing. Rainbow Valley is a charity that changes peoples lives on a daily basis, and to be able to support with fundraising and raising awareness is an absolute pleasure. Also for me to be able to be part of such a supportive group, who understand the impact of a cancer diagnosis has really helped me with my own personal recovery.
What makes you smile?
There are a lot of things that make me smile each day. Country walks, exploring new places, playing and watching sports and also spending quality time with my family.
Moira Escreet
Ambassador
I am so proud to be an ambassador for Rainbow Valley. My first experience of the charity was when I attended the 7 steps to health course way back in 2018 I’ve been part of the RV family since because I see how much support is given to those of us who have been affected by cancer. It really helps to focus on positives. We’ve also had some great laughs.
What makes you smile?
My wee dog who gives unconditional love and reminds me to be grateful for the joys in my life.