The daughter of tragic Stonehaven rail conductor Donald Dinnie has thanked supporters after they helped raised £8,600 for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) in his memory.
Christina Dinnie created the fundraiser to celebrate her dad who had a monthly direct debit to the Perth-based charity before his death.
Conductor Donald, 58, was one of three people killed when the 6.38am Scotrail service from Aberdeen to Glasgow derailed near Stonehaven on August 12.
His family started the fundraiser on August 24, asking people to give to SCAA instead of sending flowers.
More than 500 people donated in his memory.
Christina said: “I cannot believe how much money has been raised for SCAA. £8,600 in memory of Dad.
“Donald Dinnie just look at the number of people who loved you.
“Thank you to every single person who has taken the time to donate to such an amazing cause.
“Dad you were one in a million and we love you so much. Keep smiling on us all.”
In addition to being a charity close to Donald’s heart, SCAA was one of the emergency services that went to the scene of the derailment last month.
Christina said: “The air ambulance was present at the rail incident on Wednesday August 12 as were many other services and as a way to say thank you to them for all they did it seemed right in supporting a good cause such as this.
“Another reason for supporting this charity is that dad had a monthly direct debit donating to SCAA so seems only right we can continue this in some manner.”
David Craig, SCAA chief executive, expressed the charity’s “sincere gratitude” to Christina and her family for thinking of the air ambulance service during what knows has been a heartbreaking time for them all.
“Donald Dinnie was a valued supporter of SCAA and we are extremely grateful to his family and friends for continuing that support in his memory,” he said.
“This generous donation will help ensure SCAA is available to fly to those most in need, as we were the day Donald was killed in such tragic circumstances.
“The condolences of everyone at SCAA go with our deepest thanks.”
The two other people killed in the Stonehaven tragedy were driver Brett McCullough, and passenger, former Blairgowrie man Christopher Stuchbury.
