Dr Maria Duffy


When did you become a Leuchie Trustee?
2021

Why did you decide to become involved with Leuchie?
As a GP, I am interested in the power of holistic care particularly in chronic health conditions. During the first months of lockdown, I met neighbours whom I've known for years and who care for an adult with complex neurological problems. Their care package had been paused as a result of Covid and they were struggling to cope alone. That day they were making the most of a stroll in the sunshine and finding joy. This experience prompted me to contribute, in this small way, so that people in a similar position can be uplifted up by the creative, inspiring, and high quality respite holidays they deserve.

What do you do as a Leuchie trustee?
Provide advice on Care Quality issues, strategy and board matters.

What do you get out of it?
I enjoy working as a team with other Board Members and Staff, using all our combined expertise. They are a talented lot at Leuchie!

Tell us one thing about you that we probably wouldn't expect:
I've recently started keeping hens in my back garden and I am enjoying a regular supply of eggs.

If you could invite someone to Leuchie for a coffee and a chat, who would it be and why?
I'm swithering between Humza Yousaf and Bob Geldof. Humza Yousaf because he is MSP for Pollok in Glasgow where I work but also Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care. I'd love to show him Leuchie and enthuse him about the benefits of the Leuchie approach and holistic care in general. Bob Geldof because he was my teenage heart-throb and I'd look to persuade him to take up the cause of Leuchie so that people around the world would benefit from this sort of care.

If you could wave a magic wand, what would the Leuchie of the future be like?
The same warm supportive welcoming creative place providing a model for other similar places. I'd like to see more people have access and enjoy the benefits both during and after their stay.