A Dundee family have spoken of their “deep gratitude” after cyclists clubbed together to help a colleague seriously injured in a freak accident.
The cyclists produced a “racy” calendar to raise funds to help Lochee man Steve Donnelly, who is in the spinal injuries unit in Glasgow after a crash near Dunkeld last June.
An amazing response from across the UK and abroad, from people touched by news of Steve’s plight, led to thousands of pounds being raised.
In a ceremony just before the Dundee Wheelers’ ride on Sunday, a cheque for £2834.44 was handed over to the family by Sheila Fettes and David Martin, who organised and produced the calendar.
“We are pleased to have had the opportunity to do something to help Steve,” said David, who photographed club members for the calendar. “Accidents like his are thankfully extremely rare, but you always think, ‘There but for the grace of God go I.'”
Receiving the cheque on behalf of Steve’s family, his wife Sheila said, “We really want to express our deep gratitude. These last few months have been very difficult but knowing there are so many friends who have supported us and visit Steve really helps keep his morale up.”
Denise Donnelly, one of Steve’s daughters, said, “The support of so many people has really touched us. We are overwhelmed by the generosity of people, many of whom we have never met, who have donated money to help Steve. It’s unbelievable.”