Chief encounters: Mairi O'Keefe is proud of Leuchie House, her inspiring mum and her physicist son
What makes a good day at work?
Seeing our guests smile and relax over the course of a break at Leuchie House is hugely rewarding. It’s great to see such a positive impact from what we offer at Leuchie.
What has been the biggest challenge of your career?
Setting up Leuchie House as an independent charity exactly five years ago on 4 July 2011.
Is a visit to Leuchie House as good as a holiday?
Miles better! As well as a chance to unwind, recharge and enjoy being sociable while they’re here, the benefits live on long after our guests have gone home. It’s what has become known as the Leuchie MOT, where we focus on anticipatory and preventative interventions to identify and tackle potential problems before they become an issue. This involves everything from adjusting wheelchairs to make them more comfortable through to referrals to community health practitioners for ongoing support.
What turns you into the office Victor Meldrew?
When we have empty bedrooms from time to time at Leuchie. We know there are so many people out there who would love the chance of a respite break, yet they can’t get the funding they need to have one.
Are charities better off small?
I think so. Smaller charities can deliver a much more personal service and, in Leuchie’s case, it’s easier for all the departments to interact around our guests. You tend to find staff are really committed too. Working at Leuchie is a way of life rather than just a job for most of our team.
What happens during your perfect weekend?
Food, friends and ideally some exercise on North Berwick beach!
What’s your favourite film?
Cabaret. It’s a fantastic period piece, with great music, acting and humour. In more recent years, I’ve found that I enjoy switching off to films that are funny with a feel good factor.
Is the third sector valued in the health and care environment?
It’s getting better and has the potential to improve even more with the integration of health and social care.
Would your 16-year-old self be impressed with where you are now?
Perhaps more surprised than impressed. After years working in a corporate environment, I never envisaged I’d be in the third sector let alone chief executive of a start-up charity.
You’re home, fully fed with your feet up – which comes first Eastenders or emails?
Sadly, it’s emails – I’ve never watched Eastenders. Usually because I’m out and about so much during the day, I need to catch up in the evening.
Is this a rung on the ladder to success or your final destination?
You never know what’s round the corner and I think you always have to be ready to take opportunities when they arise. My mother, who’s 95, is a real inspiration to me – she was working until she was 94!
What do you think is the main strengths of the Scottish charity sector?
As a small country, Scottish charities are able to be more focused and often outcomes are quicker to achieve. Politicians are accessible for the third sector too and tend to want to engage.
What one thing would make your job easier?
More money to secure Leuchie’s future so we don’t have the constant worry about how we’re going to be able to deliver our essential service.
Where is your favourite place in the world?
Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides, where my parents are from.
Which Brian Cox?
My son’s a physicist so probably that one.
