Ex-Scottish well being secretary Jeane Freeman dies aged 72 after most cancers battle | EUROtoday

Jeane Freeman, the previous Scottish well being secretary, has died on the age of 72 after a battle with most cancers, her household has introduced.

Ms Freeman, a distinguished determine in Scottish politics, served as cupboard secretary for well being and sport from 2018 to 2021, and was additionally a Scottish National Party MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley between 2016 and 2021.

Her associate, Susan Stewart, shared a poignant assertion with the Press Association, revealing the swiftness of Ms Freeman’s remaining sickness.

“Jeane was given an unexpected diagnosis of incurable cancer on the 13th of January and we only had 25 days thereafter,” Ms Stewart mentioned. “Days which she faced with enormous courage, care for others and love for me.”

Ms Stewart expressed profound gratitude for the care acquired. “I wish to thank all the staff in the QEUH (Queen Elizabeth University Hospital) whose professional skill, care and sensitivity were exceptional.

“We were both very grateful and also for the outpouring of love and concern from so many, across politics and beyond. Be kind to each other, that is what changes the world.”

Reflecting on their lengthy partnership, Ms Stewart added: “Jeane and I were partners for over 25 years and I admired and supported her professional and public life. I am immensely proud of her, not least her latter volunteering at the Beatson Centre taking round the tea trolley, a job she loved.”

She concluded with a deeply private tribute: “But it is the private Jeane – my soul mate and companion – who I will be forever grateful to have had in my life.

“She was my biggest supporter – constantly encouraging – and also fun, feisty and argumentative! My life has been the better for her love. And I will miss her terribly.”

Ms Freeman’s distinguished profession started with the institution of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, the place she was appointed a senior civil servant.

In 2001, she grew to become a particular adviser to then-first minister Jack McConnell. Following a number one function within the Women for Independence marketing campaign throughout the 2014 referendum, she joined the SNP.

She was elected as an MSP in 2016 and later appointed by Nicola Sturgeon as minister for social safety, the place she was instrumental in creating a brand new social safety service for Scotland.

Her tenure as cupboard secretary for well being and sport from 2018 noticed her lead Scotland’s well being response to the Covid pandemic earlier than her retirement in 2021.