Aldo made of write stuff to fundraise for hospice
Over £4000 has been donated from his book profits
The husband of a well-known Hamilton businesswoman has donated thousands of pounds in her memory to St Andrew’s Hospice.
Aldo Ferri, partner of the late Lorraine, has been selling selfpenned and published books in a bid to raise cash for the charity.
The former teacher was inspired to write after taking early retirement following Lorraine’s passing in February 2010 – and has so far raised more than £4000.
Lorraine was a co-owner of Marion Coia Hairstylists in Quarry Street, a family business that had been owned by her mother, Marion, since 1966.
After leaving school, she helped out at the salon and became a hairstylist, and was a familiar face to many in the town as she and her sisters continued the business.
Lorraine was also involved in St Andrew’s Church and was a former Sunday school teacher. She and Aldo married in the church in July, 1996.
They lived at Hamilton for five years before moving to Strathaven.
Sadly, Lorraine passed away at the hospice aged 55, following a seven-year battle with cancer.
Aldo said: “For the last four years of her life, Lorraine regularly attended St Andrew’s Hospice. Their expertise in pain relief and palliative care saw her through many very difficult days.
“I will forever be indebted to the wonderful inspirational staff who loved and cared for her.”
Aldo, former deputy head teacher at St Andrew’s Academy in Paisley, retired after Lorraine’s passing, and quickly realised that his new hobby could raise funds for the hospice.
He added: “When I retired, I was looking for something to do. I started playing five-a-side football, but snapped my ankle and was in cast for 10 weeks – so I needed something else.
“I started writing my first book, A Son of Sant Andrea, which is based on Italian immigration. It follows the story of a family leaving Italy and moving to Scotland. They leave Italy with a secret and it comes back to haunt them.”
The book was published by in 2014, and customers snapped up copies at Goulding’s Garden Centre in Rosebank and at the Coia salon.
A spokesperson for Goulding’s said: “Goulding’s Garden Centre is delighted to have the opportunity to support Aldo with the sale of his books, which in turn is raising money for St Andrew’s Hospice who we also support as our chosen charity.”
A hospice spokesperson said: “We can’t thank Mr Ferri enough for his continued support. His generosity is greatly appreciated by everyone at the hospice.”