Forres gardener donating 10 per cent of wages to NHS Charities Together
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A FORRES gardener is set to show his appreciation for the NHS by donating 10 per cent of his monthly wage to charity's supporting the health service.
Steven Simpson (24), who runs Simpson's Garden Services, is aiming to raise £1000 for NHS Charities Together – £500 himself and £500 through online donations.
Steven, who also works as groundsman at Forres Mechanics' Mosset Park, is hoping to continue with the idea throughout his career and will do the same for a mental health charity in July.
He said: "I feel fortunate to still be able to work safely thanks to the nature of my job.
"I know there are a lot of struggles for NHS workers, in terms of getting PPE, and I felt I had to do something to show my appreciation.
"A lot of the people I work for are NHS staff. I have customers who are risking their lives so I thought it would be nice to help them. Last year I had a medical scare, too, and the NHS care was brilliant.
"I know it's a difficult time financially for a lot of people but I'm hoping people chip in if they can. £1000 is just a target, whatever I make, I make."
Fundraising is something Steven hopes to continue doing throughout his career.
In July, he is aiming to raise money for a mental health charity – with mental health being something close to his heart.
He added: "My plan is to do quite a bit of charity work over the years as my business progresses.
"My main thing would be mental health as that is so close to home. Last year, I lost Charlie, one of my best mates, and I feel I should give something back.
"Mental health charities are going to be struggling just now during lockdown and will be taking a hit.
"With Charlie, from the outside, nobody knew how bad he felt. That is hard to take. I want to make people aware you can speak and there is help out there."
Steven's plan would be to give some of the cash to Mental Mechanics – an Edinburgh-based football team set up in Charlie's memory – and some to a more mainstream mental health charity.
Keep an eye open for Steven's future fundraising. You can donate to NHS Charities Together and help Steven reach his £1000 goal on his Facebook page HERE.
