Tribute paid to ‘tireless’ fundraiser, who has died

Tribute has been paid to a “tireless” fundraiser who helped run Cancer Research UK’s Relay for Life from its inception.

Olive MacLeod, who died recently at the age of 76, provided “brilliant” service for the fundraiser, which raised more than £100,000 this year alone.

Relay chairwoman Kerry Llewellyn said “an incredibly important” part of the Relay family had been lost.

“Olive MacLeod was part of the committee that ran Relay for Life Shetland from its inception,” she said.

“She worked tirelessly to make the Relay successful, raising as much money as possible for Cancer Research UK.

“Olive performed a number of roles within our committee including event chair, merchandise chair, team chair and accounting chair.

“She was brilliant at it all. She stepped down from the committee after the 2022 Relay but still continued to support our events and helped in any way she could.

“This was still evident at the 2026 relay, where she made sure we were counting the money correctly.

“Olive was more than just a committee member and friend. For me, she was one of the reasons I got involved with Relay and I valued her friendship greatly. She will be a great miss to all who knew her.

“On behalf of the Relay For Life Committee, we send our love to Olive's family and friends. It was so lovely to see so many relayers at the beautiful service held in celebration of Olive's life.”

She invited people to make a donation in Olive's memory to Relay for Life.

Olive, of Lerwick, also played a key part in the Shetland Island Games Association (Siga). She worked with Sheila Manson to organise the Shetland Supporters Group, who have provided support at every island games event since 2007.

Siga said in a statement: “Olive and Sheila have together planned the accommodation and travel for the group, as well as clothing and pin badges, so they stand out in any host island.

“Their collective noise, applause and friendly support, is always welcome and appreciated by our competitors and coaches

“We're so grateful for all that Olive and Sheila have done to make sure that hundreds of family members, friends and Shetland supporters have been able to experience the excitement of the Island Games, for almost 20 years.

“On top of her huge fundraising efforts for CRUK Relay For Life, Olive has made an immeasurable contribution to Team Shetland and we will always remember her at future games.

“Our thoughts are with Olive's family at this sad time.”

A loving wife, mother of two and grandmother of four, Olive left school at 15 and went on to work as a photographer for Dennis Coutts.

She later went back to school to complete her highers and became an accountant.

But it is her voluntary efforts she will be most remembered for.

During her time she served on the board for Shetland Arts and at Voluntary Action Shetland.

She also helped young people learn about business, and judged the Young Enterprise of the Year awards.

She had many interests, serving on several committees and was a keen baker. Olive was also keen to help young people maintain their physical fitness, giving up much of her time as a swimming instructor.

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