The Team

Linda McCurrach

Linda lives in East Ayrshire and is the mother of 5 children. She founded the charity after her Mum died, when she felt a deep need to help the community around her and to help others have a good death as her Mum had.

As a trained and registered soul midwife she knew she could put her skills to good use, but didn’t understand how much the services we provide would be needed at the time. Linda is also our service manager.

Her background is in holistic therapies and she has worked in this field for over 20 years studying and teaching reiki, studying shiatsu, COSCA counselling skills, specialist bereavement counselling, NLP, CBT and other holistic health modalities. She is passionate about any form of self development and enjoys learning to play the guitar, walking and gardening.

Samantha Ralston

Samantha lives in North Ayrshire and is the mother of one. Samantha’s background is in customer service management. After gaining qualifications within administration found the confidence to use them and her life’s journey, to gain employment as the administrator for NODA Ayrshire.

Samantha is a huge Star Wars, music and football fan. Spending most of her time at home with her son playing football and doing many other boisterous things, walking the dog, listening to music or true crime podcasts.

Robert Bruce Donaldson

Robert is based in North Ayrshire and has trained in various therapeutic modalities including: CBT, Hypnotherapy and EMDR. He also possesses theatre and film skills.  He brings a unique lived perspective to NODA.

Robert worked as a paralegal in the middle east for some years, before returning to look after his mum before she passed.

Robert has an HND in drama, a film & tv production degree, a commercial law degree and a masters in Psychology. He is trained in clinical hypnotherapy, EMDR (eye movement desensitisation reprocessing) and CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). Robert is a lifelong learner and aims to achieve his PHD.

He enjoys gardening, tinkering in his garden shed and travelling.

Helen Wilson

Helen is originally from Dundonald, Ayrshire but now lives in Skye.

She strives to make a positive impact on those around her, fostering a sense of community and compassion. She runs the Sandy's toolbox initiative which was inspired by caring for her father during his final months and realising the importance of having access to essential items when providing palliative care.

Helen has a creative spirit and is passionate about gardening (growing cut flowers and donating them to care homes, spreading joy and beauty), cooking, reading and various crafting activities. She cherishes time spent with family and friends, and her beloved dog Clyde.

Graham Wilson

Profile to come

Amie Brown

Amie Lives in North Ayrshire and is a mother of one. 

Amie's background is in photography and reception work. After running her own photography business Amie wanted to continue being creative, while using her computer skills.

Her compassion for people led her to the position as our administration & social media assistant.

Amie enjoys photography, singing and gaming and spends most of her weekends with her partner and their kids out exploring with their fun loving doodle.

Brian Smallridge

Brian lives in North Ayrshire and is a proud dad of two. 

His background is in garage door fitting, but he found a new path when he began volunteering with NODA.

Brian now helps to facilitate our Thursday morning bereavement group, bringing compassion and understanding to those who attend.

Brian enjoys music, walking, meeting new people, and going on holidays.

Alison Farquharson

Alison lives in North Ayrshire. After attending the group for two years she now helps to facilitate the bereavement group, offering empathy and encouragement to others. 

As a Reiki Master, Alison also takes part in our reiki share, bringing her skills and gentle energy to the community. Her journey from participant to volunteer reflects her commitment to wellbeing and connection.

Alison enjoys a good book, live music, collecting crystals and the theatre. When the weather is good, she loves spending time in her garden.

Amanda Povah

Amanda lives in North Ayrshire and comes from a background in music performance, teaching, and art.

Her passion for supporting others and breaking down social barriers led her to a new path at NODA Ayrshire, where she now facilitates our women's wellbeing group. Amanda is known for her calm, vibrant personality, compassion and non judgmental approach. She often draws on her own lived experience to connect with others in a genuine and empathetic way. 

Amanda enjoys spending time with her two labradors, gaming, and all things geeky.

Christine Smith

Profile to come