His journey – as a renowned sports journalist reporting on the world’s greatest stars to receiving support from the outstanding Rutherglen and Cambuslang Care at Home team – illustrates the power of human connection, professional dedication and compassionate care.

Born in Cambuslang in 1937, just across the road from where he now resides, Dixon is the very definition of a local lad. He attended West Coats Primary School and Rutherglen Academy before venturing into the world of newspapers.

At just 18, he joined the Evening Citizen newspaper in Glasgow but was then called up for national service in 1955. Upon returning, his journalism career flourished, taking him to the Sunday Mail, where he covered golf and football until his retirement in 1997.

Beyond his career, Dixon’s greatest pride is his family – his wife Jean, whom he met at the age of 16 at ‘the shows’ in Overtoun Park, his son Russell, daughter Kay, and four grandchildren.

Now married for 66 years, Jean recalled: “I knew as soon as I met Dixon that I’d spend the rest of my life with him. It was love at first sight for me — and I made sure it was for him as well!”

Three years ago, Dixon’s life took an unexpected turn when he suffered a stroke. After spending seven weeks in University Hospital Hairmyres, he returned home, where he was initially supported by the Home Assessment Team. Since January 2023, the Rutherglen and Cambuslang Care at Home team has provided ongoing support, helping Dixon regain independence.

Dixon said: “I’m extremely grateful and couldn’t be more pleased or thankful for the care and support of the Care at Home team. They have been wonderful.”

The quality of care provided to Dixon and many others has been reflected in a recent outstanding report from the Care Inspectorate. The Care at Home team was awarded ‘Very Good’ (5) ratings across all key quality indicators.

Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire University Health and Social Care Partnership, Professor Soumen Sengupta, said: “I want to thank Dixon and Jean for sharing their story and for allowing us to showcase the positive impact that compassionate care can have.”

Chair of South Lanarkshire Council Social Work Resources Committee, Councillor Margaret Walker added: “This outstanding report is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the Care at Home team.”