Pensioner’s tribute to late wife collects cash for heart charity

Margaret Anne Forrest passed away a year ago at home after battling a heart condition for more than seven years.

Her husband David, who is a regular patron at the Swan Inn in the village, decided to put together a Christmas hamper to be raffled at the local pub.

Thanks to the generosity of customers and staff, the raffle raised more than £100 to aid the British Heart Foundation.

David told the Herald: “My wife passed away on January 9 last year and I decided to make up the hamper to raise money for the Foundation.

“My wife and I both tried to give as much as we could over the years to the charity.

“We’re just ordinary 
people but we were able to give a bit here and there.”

He added: “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone at the Swan Inn who helped to raise the money.

“It’s a great place. After my wife died they made me feel very welcome.

“I had my Christmas meal there and I was delighted they agreed to raffle the hamper when I turned up with it.”

A member of the management team at the Swan Inn told the Herald that the pub was more than happy to raffle the hamper and liked to help charity when they could.

He added: “The bar staff regularly give their tips to charity. We all like to help when we can.”