Von’s Story
I was born October 1968 only daughter and youngest of 4 children to Davina and Tommy Gemmell. My name is Yvonne but known to most as Von.
I’m a proud Doonhamer being educated at St Teresa’s Primary then moved to St Andrews Primary School. Secondary was St Andrews Girls School. I did sit and pass the 11 plus to attend the Benedictine Convent but I didn’t want to go, much to my parents horror. I was fiercely independent then as I am now. I had to move schools again when St Andrews and the Convent closed in 1982 all the girls moved up to St Joseph’s College.
Our home growing up was always a hive of activity with different friends and family in and out. Dad was a keen musician he could turn his hand to most instruments including guitar, bagpipes and drums. Mum loved the 60s era and had me ‘jiving’ or doing the twist at a very young age.
I met David King in one of Dumfries’ nightclubs Videoplex. We married in June 1990 when we were just 22. We have one son Thomas who is daddy to our two amazing grandchildren Brodie he’s 12 and Davina who is 3. David and I love going abroad on holidays, Crete is one of my favourite places. We were in the Caribbean in February 2024 with friends and what an amazing experience.
I worked from an early age in the College Cafe Dumfries, when it opened as La Lanterna I worked there too. I loved cooking so went on to do my Degree in Hotel Management. I worked in The Cairndale Hotel here in Dumfries then onto Peebles Hydro. I enjoyed working there I got to go through to Edinburgh shopping with some friends on days off, the biggest highlight at Peebles was serving at table for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
On returning to Dumfries I got a job at the Crichton Royal in Crichton Hall. Sadly due to ill health I had to give work up. But I didn’t let that stop me. I joined the PTA at Thomas’ school Loreburn Primary. I also enjoyed helping out at Summerhill Community Centre with the youth groups. I have been on different rejuvenation committees in town to improve living conditions in North West Dumfries.
Now onto why I’m a member of Prostate Buddies D&G The Partners Group. In February 2021 David was diagnosed at age 53 with Prostate Cancer. He was young fit and healthy. David was seen here in Dumfries then to The Western General Edinburgh, where he seen a fantastic team of people. David decided to have his Prostate removed (prostatectomy) thankfully he didn’t need any further treatment. While he was getting his operation I was wondering aimlessly around Edinburgh’s Princess Street Gardens. I didn’t have anyone who had been through this to talk too. It was a very lonely place to be. I had friends and family I could turn to but no-one who’d been there. Having had both parents with cancer I already knew an awful lot about cancers. Fortunately there is a lot that can be done for Prostate Cancer. David is now cancer free he gets his PSA check regularly to make sure all is ok.
When it was suggested that Prostate Buddies D&G was going to do a partners group I didn’t think twice. The group is so worthwhile. It’s good to talk, we talk about anything and everything.