Covid: Milngavie pals’ fundraising tribute to family friend who died from virus

A Milngavie youngster and his pal are putting on their running shoes in memory of a dear family friend who passed away from coronavirus.
By Liz Gallacher
Published 10th Jan 2021, 08:48 BST
Updated 10th Jan 2021, 09:05 BST

Retired ex-serviceman Alex McNicoll, a well recognised figure in the area, died in hospital in December after a battle with the disease.

Now Charlie Smith and his friend Andrew Phin plan to take on a 5km run at Milngavie reservoir to raise money for the Erskine charity, which
was a cause close to Alex’s heart.

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Alex was the dad of Charlie’s 
childminder Lorna Jamieson and husband of Safia.

The two young friends plan to do the sponsored run on Sunday, January 17, Charlie’s birthday weekend.

Charlie, a P6 pupil at Milngavie Primary, is about to turn 10.

His mum Lyn told the 
Herald: “Charlie was greatly saddened by the tragic loss of Alex, father of Charlie’s childminder.

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“Alex had been a friendly face in Charlie’s life since 2015 and will be sorely missed.

“He would walk the children up and down to Milngavie Primary and was very well known and liked by everyone there.

“In memory of Alex and to show support for Lorna, Safia and the rest of the family, Charlie decided he would like to train and be able to run 5km on his 10th birthday weekend. It was his idea.

“His good friend from school, Andrew, will be joining him also in memory of Alex.

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“Andrew was cared for by Alex and his family for several years and was also devastated to hear of his passing.

“Any sponsorship to encourage Charlie and Andrew on their way will be donated to Erskine - a charity close to Alex and the family.”

Charlie and Andrew have already smashed their fundraising target of £1,150.

Their justgiving page has already accumulated donations amounting to almost £2,000.

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As Scotland’s foremost provider of care for veterans, Erskine offers nursing, residential, respite and dementia care in four homes throughout Scotland for UK veterans.

Erskine must raise in 
excess of £10 million in voluntary income annually to ensure they remain in operation to their current high standards.

You can donate to 
Charlie’s justgiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/CharlieSmith1601

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