Lynne McMaster with her book.
Lakes & Dales Co-operative, part of the Scotmid Co-op family, is helping share a powerful story of love, loss and resilience by making Still Here, written by colleague Lynne McMaster, available through its in-store community book banks.
Lynne, who works at Scotmid’s Bishopbriggs store in Scotland, has written Still Here about her family’s experience of unimaginable loss. Lynne and her husband Grant lost both of their young daughters, Tia and Sara, following serious illness.
The book tells their family’s story, from the devastating experiences they faced to navigating grief and finding the strength to keep going. Through sharing it, Lynne hopes to offer comfort and reassurance to others experiencing loss and difficult times.
Scotmid and Lakes & Dales has purchased a copy for every in-store community book bank, including those at St Johns Chapel and Frosterley, helping Lynne’s story reach readers in Weardale and communities across the north of England and Scotland.
Lynne McMaster said: “Writing Still Here was never about telling a story of tragedy; it was about sharing what we have lived through and, hopefully, helping other people who may be facing their own difficult times.
“If our experiences can help even one person feel a little less alone, then sharing them has been worthwhile. Knowing that Scotmid is helping the book reach more people through its book banks is incredibly touching, and I’m very grateful for the support.”
Lakes & Dales in-store community book banks give customers and members the opportunity to pick up and share free books, making them a fitting way to help Lynne’s story reach more readers.
Lynne Ogg, Head of Membership and Community Engagement at Scotmid, said:
“Lynne has shown enormous courage in putting such deeply personal experiences into words and sharing them with others.
“When we heard about Still Here, we wanted to find a simple and meaningful way to support Lynne. Making the book available through our book banks felt particularly fitting – not only recognising what Lynne has achieved but helping her story reach people who may find comfort, strength or a sense that they are not alone in its pages.
“We hope our members and customers will take the opportunity to read Lynne’s story.”
Copies of Still Here will be available through Lakes & Dales Co-operative’s in-store community book banks.
