An Inverness Stagecoach bus driver has been nominated for the Sunday Mail’s Community Champion Great Scot Award in recognition of his fundraising for Highland Hospice.
Alex MacKenzie, from Inverness, has collected almost £50,000 in just nine years for Highland Hospice by doing a series of incredible overseas daredevil challenges, collecting money on his bus and participating in many of the charity’s organised events.
Alex is one of four finalists in the category and will find out if he has claimed the award at a star studded dinner in the Thistle Hotel, Glasgow on 26th October, hosted by comedian Kevin Bridges and newsreader Jackie Bird. His success is solely down to public voting, and Highland Hospice are urging people from all over the Highlands to get behind their kind hearted fundraiser to help him go all the way.
Alex, 53, has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, got to Mount Everest Base Camp, cycled through the Canadian Rockies and canoed down the River Zambezi in Zambia.
He said, “I first got involved in fundraising for the Hospice when their fundraising manager Linda Macdonald asked me to join the team. It didn’t take much convincing because they provide outstanding care and attention to patients and families.”
Alex, who has worked for Stagecoach for 15 years said, “My employers have always been right behind me. They let me put up posters and tins on the bus, and thousands of pounds have come through these Hospice collecting cans. It’s fantastic how supportive passengers are.”
Highland Hospice’s Community & Events Fundraiser Amanda Burt said, “Alex Mackenzie is a truly incredible man. He is a familiar face in the Inverness area and is a very popular man due to his mild manner, unassuming nature and extreme generosity. To have raised £48,000 for Highland Hospice as a result of his efforts over 9 years is truly amazing. The difference this massive contribution will have made to our patients and their families is significant, and on behalf of Highland Hospice, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to him.”
She added, “I really hope everyone will vote for Alex. He is the only finalist from the Highlands and for him to win would be just incredible. So please vote now!”
To vote for Alex as winner of the 2013 Lidl Community Champion Award, please pick up a voting form from your local Lidl store or visit www.greatscotawards.co.uk. All votes must be received by Friday October 4.
