A Lanarkshire fundraiser who would put Santa Claus to shame has presented his latest donation to support sick kids and their families.
Coatbridge pensioner Alistair Doyle's collection of £6202 takes his overall total handed over to the Ronald McDonald House in Glasgow to a whopping £108,000 in 16 years.
Every year charity champion Alistair adorns his home with sparkling Christmas lights that people come from far and wide to see – and his latest donation is all the more impressive given the limitations caused by COVID late last year.
Kirkwood man Alistair travelled to the Ronald McDonald House to present the £6202 cheque, which staff were hugely grateful to receive.
The crucial medical facility provides “free home away from home accommodation to families with seriously ill children”.
Alistair told Lanarkshire Live : “Due to COVID, I wasn’t able to put as many attractions at the house, or welcome as many visitors as I normally would to last year’s lights display.
“But we still managed to raise £6202, which is a very good amount, especially considering everything that was going on due to the pandemic.
“I can’t thank everyone who contributed to the latest total enough for their support.
“In terms of the latest display, I’d like to thank Janice Kirkland for her invaluable help with our social media, the Coatbridge branch of Bank of Scotland, my neighbour Jimmy Potter, family friend Ian Kirkland, the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser and Annemarie Croal for helping with the football cards.
“Everyone’s support gives sick children what they want most – their families by their side throughout their time in hospital.”
A spokeswoman for the Ronald McDonald House added: “Congratulations to Alistair as he has now raised well over £100,000 for the charity.
“Due to COVID-19, donations for most charities have been hit hard over the past year-and-a-half - but the work we do does not stop.
“Support from people like Alistair gives ill children the chance to have their families with them when they are in hospital.
“We would like to thank Alistair, his family and neighbours and the many people who helped fundraise for the charity.”
Alistair also has a JustGiving page for people to make donations, which can be visited here.
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