A heartfelt tribute has given rise to a new children's book designed to inspire young learners to connect with the Scots language, and it all started with a remarkable woman from Dumfries. But here's where it gets interesting—this project is more than just a story; it's a lasting memorial to a beloved individual whose legacy continues to touch lives.
The Lois Sherret Trust was established in honor of Lois Sherret, a vibrant 40-year-old woman who tragically lost her battle with bile duct cancer in April 2022. During her time at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Lois’s close friend Claire Berridge made a promise—to write a book that would celebrate Lois's life, her love of animals, and her deep appreciation for the Scots language.
Fast forward three years, and Claire has turned that promise into reality with the publication of "The Sherrets' Sma Haddin" (or "The Sherrets' Small Holding"). This charming story narrates how Lois and her husband Graham moved to the countryside to fulfill their dream of owning a small farm—a dream rooted in their shared love of nature and simple living.
It's important to note that Lois's type of cancer, bile duct cancer, often presents symptoms that are difficult to detect in its early stages, making early diagnosis challenging. For those unfamiliar, symptoms can include jaundice, itching, or abdominal pain, but they’re sometimes subtle and easy to overlook until the disease advances. (You can learn more about these symptoms from Cancer Research UK.)
Claire reflects on Lois’s radiant personality, saying, "Everyone loved Lois—she was just one of those people who could make anyone smile." Their shared moments included waitressing together at Burns Supper events, where Lois’s affection for the Scots language shone brightly. Beyond her love for language, Lois was a compassionate soul who cared deeply for animals and believed that kindness and respect should extend to all living creatures.
The Lois Sherret Trust isn’t just a memorial—it’s a growing educational initiative. Claire, a dedicated primary school teacher, plans to travel across Dumfries and Galloway to conduct workshops in schools, combining lessons on Scots with interactive experiences involving animals. Her goal is to make learning engaging and accessible, offering these programs free of charge to help offset the often high costs of school trips.
"We can visit primary schools at no cost, share Lois's story, and introduce children to the Scots language through the book," Claire explains. "It’s a way to keep Lois’s spirit alive and inspire young minds."
She also shares her pride: "I believe Lois would be incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished. She might find it hard to believe that we’ve done all this in her name, but we have—and it’s all for her."
This story isn’t just about a woman and a book; it’s about community, remembrance, and the power of language and kindness to create lasting change. Do you think efforts like these can truly keep someone’s spirit alive? And perhaps, more provocatively, should we always find ways to memorialize loved ones, or are there moments when moving forward might be more appropriate? Drop your thoughts—this is a conversation worth having.
