HE has dedicated more than 30 years of his life to helping people with learning disabilities.

Now, Stuart Cunningham is welcoming his retirement after bidding a fond farewell to colleagues on Friday, May 27.

The 55-year-old started out as a nursing assistant and became a staff nurse in 1989; he arrived at the Royal Scottish National Hospital in around 1986.

In the mid-90s, his work saw him placed within the community in Clackmannanshire, latterly in the community health care centre in Sauchie, as a learning disability nurse.

For the Larbert man, his passion for working within the health service hasn't wavered and he said he has thoroughly enjoyed what he has done over the years.

He said: "I came into it because I wanted to help people and that has never changed in me. I have been dedicated to the work."

His role within the Wee County saw him develop good relationships with individuals, and often parents, to offer support at home.

He said it has been a very rewarding job and one of the key highlights has been devising a care package for men's health.

Due to the mental health officer status that comes with his role – which allows for retirement at 55 – and ongoing recovery from a kidney transplant, Stuart has decided now is the right time to leave.

He hopes to take a few trips away and make good use of the gifts from his colleagues, which included a jaunt up to Aviemore and a tour around a gin distillery.

He also intends to pursue his love of gardening and take a few holidays once he is in full health.

A gathering was held at the Sauchie centre last week to say goodbye and he will miss those that have shown him support.

Stuart said: "Along the way I've thanked people that I've worked with. The people that have supported me and allowed me to do my job.

"I'd like to thank the patients for allowing me into their homes and for allowing me to be part of their life and to do what I can to help them."

Shirley Pratt, a charge nurse with the community learning disability nursing team, worked with Stuart for around 15 years.

She said: "It's been a pleasure working with Stuart and he really will be so missed by his colleagues and patients and carers in Clackmannanshire, because he has been there such a long time and got to know a lot of people in the area."