Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Grandad would love Forest of Memories
The family of a well-known Airdrie businessman who died tragically last year have launched a special fundraising project in his memory.
Jack Mustoe was killed last November when he was accidentally run over by a lorry at his Riggend business, Mustoe’s Pallets.
Reflecting on her family’s terrible loss, Jack’s granddaughter Amy-Jayne Gibson says that, although Christmas has become a tough time for them, they want to honour his memory and give back to a charity close to his heart.
The 25- year- old now runs the family business with her mum Tracy, and the pair have created a Forest of Memories in a bid to raise funds for the Salvation Army, to whom Jack, known locally as Nip, donated every Christmas.
Amy-Jayne told the Advertiser: “Christmas was a huge deal for us as a family, but reality hit when my grandad died. It was very traumatic and made us realise that so many people out there need help at this time of year.
“Grandad was such a kind, helpful person, so we wanted to get the community involved and turn a negative into a positive.”
Amy-Jayne went on: “My mum and I have been making small Christmas trees from pallets which people can purchase and plant in our Forest of Memories to honour someone close to them.
“Some are decorated for Christmas, some have cartoon characters on them and some have nice messages.
“It’s up to the customer if they want to take it home or plant it here.
“I’ve been amazed by the number of people who have already donated; we’ve already raised more than £500. Grandad would be so proud.”
The enterprising pair hope to raise £ 1000 from their venture and are even opening this weekend in an attempt to capitalise on Christmas goodwill.
Amy-Jayne added: “We’ll be open on Saturday between 10am and 1pm for people who are too busy to make it during the week.
“We will have cakes, mince pies and hot chocolates for anyone who comes along to help us reach our target.”