Gillian Donald, a partner in the employment team at Blackadders LLP, has received a Special Recognition Award at the prestigious cHeRries Awards for her charity work and commitment to the profession.
Gillian received her award at the HR professionals’ event from colleague and Blackadders’ head of employment, Simon Allison, at a glittering ceremony in Aberdeen on Thursday (June 12th).
The award recognises both her talent and dedication to her son, Finlay, who was diagnosed with a life-shortening illness in 2015. Gillian made the brave and selfless decision to give up her career to care full-time for her son.
Simon said: “Gillian’s strength, dedication and kindness, truly stand out. She devoted herself to Finlay with love and care, every single day. She ensured that his short life was filled with dignity, warmth and connection.”
In May 2020, Finlay died at the age of 11. It is a loss no parent should ever have to face. But Gillian found the strength to carry on. She returned to work as an employment lawyer, returning to a profession she loves and rebuilding her life with quiet resilience and deep purpose. She began giving her time and energy to help others.
Gillian joined Blackadders in Aberdeen in 2023. She had spent most of her career prior to caring for Finlay with Stronachs. After taking her career break, she returned to the profession as a senior associate with Brodies LLP.
Simon added: “We were delighted to welcome her as a partner in Blackadders. She is an amazing addition to the team and to the firm, generally.”
As well as her work for Blackadders, Gillian does a huge amount of work for CHAS — Children’s Hospices Across Scotland. In her role as Trustee and Board Member, she strives to support the charity in whatever way she can.
Simon added: “She brings warmth, understanding, and real commitment to everything she does. Whether it is convening CHAS’s corporate and governance committee, helping to arrange the fabulous Aberdeen ladies’ lunch or speaking at various events to share her family story. Her support makes a real difference.
“Gillian shows us what strength looks like. What kindness looks like. She has faced great personal loss. But she has never stopped giving to others. We are so proud that she has been recognised with this award.”
The cHeRries Awards celebrate examples of excellence in the fields of Human Resources, Recruitment and Training in Scotland.
Joint managing partner, Emma Gray, said: “We are immensely proud of Gillian and everything she does for the firm and for CHAS. She is an example to us all by doing her absolute best to help others personally and professionally.”