A group of drivers from local bus operator, First Aberdeen, have set up a bereavement fund in memory of five colleagues who sadly died over the past year. The aim of the fund is to help dependents when a death in service occurs, as well as raising money for charities.
The TBDT Fund was founded after five staff members passed away whilst still working for First Aberdeen. Their nicknames became the name of the fund set up in their memory. Tadeusz Kolodziej (TAD), Risdon Dougan (BOB), Derek Melville (DEK), and Brian Edmondstone (TIDDLES) with one of the fund mascots named ‘Perrie’ after driver Roy Perrie who also died soon after the others.
David Minty, a driver from First Aberdeen, and a member of the TBDT fund, completed the ‘Ride the North’ cycle challenge last August, a 166 mile cycle between Inverness and Aberdeen. David, who was sponsored by friends, family, the local branch of Unite the Union and fellow Fund members, donated the cash today to one of the Fund’s preferred charities, Maggie’s.
39-year old David, who lives in Turriff and has been a driver for First since 2001, said: “The cycle challenge was very tough but very rewarding as I managed to raise some money for Maggie’s. It’s fitting that the TBDT fund supports Maggie’s as some of our colleagues have benefited from its services.”
Richard Jaffray, Chairman of TBDT, said: “We are a very close knit family at First Aberdeen, and the passing of our friends affected us all. The fund was set up in honour of our colleagues who are no longer with us. I know they would be delighted that we are supporting worthwhile causes such as Maggie’s.”
The TBDT has raised funds for a number of charities including Macmillan, The Lord Provosts Charity Fund and St Mary’s Church in Aberdeen. The fund also ran a successful “PutATinInTheBin” Food Drop Campaign in conjunction with St Mary’s Parish Church to support the Aberdeen charity, Instant Neighbour.
Colin Welsh, Chairman of Monty’s Maggie’s, said: “We really appreciate the money raised by David and all the team at TBDT. Donations go a long way in helping provide a vital service to people and their families who are trying to cope with cancer. This is not the first time First Aberdeen has raised money for us and I’m delighted with their continued support.”
To help support the TBDT more information can be found by clicking the link below:
http://the-tbdt-fab-welfare-fund.campaignsites.net/
Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres
Maggie’s welcomes those at all points of their cancer journey, as well as friends and family members of those facing a cancer diagnosis. In complement to the excellent treatment on offer through the NHS, Maggie’s evidence based programme of support helps people to navigate through the emotional, psychological and practical complexities of the disease. Led by cancer professionals, Maggie’s Centres empower people to live the best life possible with, through and beyond cancer.
The Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation
Colin Montgomerie established the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation in memory of his mother, who died of cancer. Colin recognised the gap in emotional and practical support on offer to his family during this time and set out to establish a legacy in his mother’s name, which would address this need. The Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation found a natural partner with Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres and together they launched Monty’s Maggie’s Appeal in June 2010, with the aim of raising £3million to build a Maggie’s Centre in Aberdeen. Furthermore, the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation and Maggie’s are working together to raise the funds needed to build a Maggie’s Centre in Lanarkshire.