A local author has teamed up our staff to raise funds in memory of a much-respected colleague.

Michael Kelly, from Leslie, is offering staff and customers of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, as well as the wider public, 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.

Michael, from Leslie, was 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. As a regular user of our facilities, Michael knew that Steve’s colleagues would appreciate the opportunity to get involved in raising funds.

Michael 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.

“We really appreciate Michael’s fund-raising efforts in memory of Steve and a good number of staff have already got behind the cause by buying a copy of the book.”