Funds raised by a local author who teamed up with sports and leisure centre staff in memory of a much-respected colleague have been donated to NHS Fife.
Michael Kelly, from Leslie, offered staff and customers of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust the opportunity to purchase his recently-released book, ‘One Flew into the Cuckoo’s Nest – The Adventures of a Movie Extra’, in memory of Steve Donnelly who passed away in 2015
Steve, who was the trust’s multimedia co-ordinator and a central player in helping colleagues across the organisation, lost his own battle with cancer following treatment at Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Hospital.
His brother Tony and mother Martha were both present at the cheque handover this week when all proceeds of the fundraising went to NHS Fife’s admissions ward two.
Michael, from Leslie, a long-term friend of Steve’s who shared a passion for the outdoors and hillwalking, wanted to use the launch of his new book to commemorate his friend and was delighted with the £311 raised.
He said: “Steve was a great friend and I know he was highly respected by his colleagues, who also experienced his kind and funny personality.
“I’d like to thank the trust for their support in helping me with my fundraising efforts by making the book available through their centres.
“Steve received fantastic care by NHS Fife staff and I know he’d be pleased that their efforts are being recognised.”
Wendy Watson, chief operating officer for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “Steve was a much-loved staff member, he had worked with the trust since its launch in 2008, and before that, for Fife Council.
“He was well known by a wide-range of people, including customers, partners, local sports clubs as well as colleagues across the organisation – he was always ready to help and get involved, his helpful and good-humoured attitude was just one of the reasons he was so widely respected.”
Staff at the Victoria Hospital have thanked everyone who contributed and said the money will be put to good use.
Gillian Malone, senior charge nurse at Admissions Unit 2, said: “We are very grateful to them and will use this donation to benefit future patients in our care.
“It is always heartening to hear we have made a positive impact in the care we delivered at such a difficult time.”
