We are deeply saddened to share that Bill Mitchell, a much-loved resident of Broomhill Park, has sadly passed away. Bill recently featured in our new marketing campaign, and his wonderful smile can be seen across our TV advert and posters throughout Aberdeen and the Shire. We are honoured to have captured these images and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.

Born on 27 June 1941 in Harlaw, Inverurie, Bill lived a full and hardworking life.

He spent more than thirty years working at ASDA in Garthdee and shared a loving marriage with his wife, Isobel, who was, as his daughter Lynne Little fondly recalls, “the life and soul” of any room and brought Bill out of his shell.

When Isobel died, Bill retreated back into himself. The home he had lived in for so long, with steps at both the front and back doors, became harder and harder to manage and access.

Lynne encouraged him to move somewhere with more support, but Bill - quiet, shy, and wanting to remain independent - was hesitant.

Everything changed when he eventually decided to move to VSA’s Broomhill Park.

“It was like he had a personality transplant,” Lynne said. “The staff - and actually the other residents too - helped him settle. He got involved in all the activities. They were so supportive.”

The man who had once isolated himself, began gardening again, had a great friendship with support worker Akintunde (Akin), and enjoyed sharing stories of his family and even his days playing for local football teams. For the first time in years, Bill rediscovered joy!

Bill became part of our campaign earlier this year, when he and Akin, one of his carers, visited Pittodrie Stadium to film our TV advert which is airing now on STV North.

We also took professional photographs of Bill and Akin which have formed part of the out-of-home aspect of the campaign - roadside billboards, bus shelter digital ads, train station posters and more.

Bill really is one of the faces of our campaign, and we’re so pleased that he is!

When he got back to Broomhill after spending the afternoon pitchside at Aberdeen FC, he said to his daughter with disbelief: “I dinnae ken fit av done tae deserve this!”

It was a moment Lynne will never forget.

In her words: “I can’t fault the staff at Broomhill. They made him so happy. I’m going to treasure that for the rest of my life.”

Bill was a bright light in our VSA community - and we are honoured to have shared part of his story.

Sadly Bill went into hospital right before the campaign launched and never got to see himself as part of our Keep our Northern light shining bright campaign.

He passed away peacefully in hospital surrounded by family on Saturday 8 November 2025.

Lynne and the family have enjoyed seeing their beloved Bill on billboards around Aberdeen over the past few weeks, seeing his smiling face as he sat in the dugout at Pittodrie.

His funeral will be held on Friday 21 November and we truly are honoured that the family have chosen for any donations at the funeral to go to our campaign.

At VSA, we truly do care for people at every stage of life, and it was a privilege to spend time with Bill in his final few months.

Our best wishes go to Bill’s family at this time.