Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Bike donated to volunteer group
ONE of the founders of a local coronavirus support group will be able to help those in need even faster, thanks to the kindness of a stranger.
Lee Mills, a founding member of Dundee Thegither and an NHS worker, was delighted by the kindness of Anne Petrie, a local supporter of the group, following her donation of a new bike.
He said: “Anne got in touch with us and said ‘I’ve got a bike if anyone needs it’ and everyone thought of me.
“I don’t drive but this is enabling me to get back and forth much faster when I go out.
“I just want to say a massive thank you. It really is a huge act of kindness.”
Anne previously demonstrated her support for the group by making a donation through Paypal.
She also gifted Lee a new bike helmet, a pump and some other accessories which will make his journeys easier.
Lee responded by sending Anne some flowers as a thank you gift.
Dundee Thegither was formed at the start of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK to support the local community through food packages and a Covid-19 helpline.
Lee said: “I’ve really seen Dundee come together recently – it’s pretty fitting for the name actually.”
The kind-hearted NHS worker said he has been surprised by both the level of poverty in Dundee and people’s desire to help each other.
He added: “Our food packages only last three days, so we do see people coming back to us.
“We have talked about trying to get set up as a proper charity but we aren’t too sure.
“We’ve got a team of 15 to 18 great volunteers and they’re very reliable.”
Lee’s team consists of people from many different walks of life, such as support workers, the unemployed, university workers, school teachers and retired GPs.
Scottish folk singer Sheena Wellington, who was born in Dundee and sang at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, is also a member of the group, working on the phone lines and answering calls.
Lee said: “We’re here to help, so please get in touch with us on 0800 8611 983 if you need anything.”