Funds raised by a local author who teamed up with us in memory of a much-respected colleague,  have been donated to NHS Fife.

Michael Kelly, from Leslie, offered our staff and customers 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, with all proceeds going to NHS Fife’s Admissions 2 at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy.

Steve, who was our multimedia co-ordinator and central player in assisting colleagues across the organisation, sadly lost his own battle with cancer following treatment at the hospital. Steve’s brother Tony and mother, Martha, were both present at the cheque handover.

Michael, from Leslie, a long-term friend of Steve’s sharing a passion for the outdoors and hillwalking, wanted to use the launch of his new book to commemorate his friend. Michael is delighted with the £311.00 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.

Left to right – Dianne Craig, staff nurse, Tony Donnelly, Martha Donnelly, Sarah Grubb, nurse practitioner,  Wendy Watson, chief operating officer for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust and Lynsey Brown, senior staff nurse.

“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.”

Gillian Malone, Senior Charge Nurse Admissions Unit 2, said: “I would like to thank Michael, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust staff and its customers for this kind donation in memory of a much respected friend and colleague.

“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.”