Donors help restore Jim’s faith in society

A BLACK Watch veteran who was swindled out of thousands of pounds has had the entire sum repaid by generous members of the public.

Jim Melville said he has slept easy for the first time since being targeted by fraudsters, who stung him for £5,000 the day after his father’s death.

The 59-year-old had faced losing his business, Fair City Removals, after falling victim to an elaborate credit card fraud. He feared he would have to sell the firm’s two removal vans to meet the bill.

However, dozens of donors helped him raise £5,000 by Christmas Eve and Jim and his family were able to enjoy the festive period free from worry. He said: “Santa Claus certainly visited me. For the pressure to be taken off and the worry taken away is amazing. It’s the best Christmas present I could have got. It’s put my faith back in society. ”

Many of the donations have come from other Black Watch veterans — including one of £1,755 — as well as Jim’s customers. Jim said: “Although people show on the GoFundMe page as anonymous, as admin I know who they are. More than £3,000 has come from The Black Watch family and it makes me so proud to be part of that family. The £1,700 donation is unbelievable. I am also very humbled that customers have helped me out.”

Jim added that he plans to personally thank those who have donated.