NHS gains £6k in fringe benefits from concerts

Angus hairdresser has been raising money for equipment with online performances

An Arbroath hairdresser and entertainer has raised more than £6,000 for NHS Tayside with weekly online concerts.

Danny Laverty has used the funds to purchase essential equipment for hospitals in Angus.

Hundreds of people tune in each Saturday to watch the 48-year-old put on a show in his salon, where he performs a series of classic hits and takes requests from his delighted fans.

Inspired by his husband Paul Johnston, who works at Ninewells Hospital as a senior clinical research nurse, Danny has donated a Dyna map blood pressure machine to Stracathro Hospital in Brechin.

The couple also used the charity fund to purchase 10 tablets for hospitals in Tayside – with four being donated to Arbroath Infirmary so far.

“It’s a very personal fundraiser for us as a couple because with Paul’s job, he knows how difficult things are at the minute,” Danny said.

“He realised Stracathro only had one blood pressure machine which they had to share between two wards so we knew we wanted to buy an additional one.

“We wanted to work with staff at hospitals to find out exactly what they needed right away and it’s also nice because people who have helped us can see exactly where the money is going.

“Patients in hospital long term are really struggling with not having visitors so the donation of iPads will allow them to keep in touch with people.”

Alongside donations, the couple are asking NHS facilities who need help with equipment to come forward.

The concerts began as a way for Danny to entertain himself during lockdown, but as he attracted a following from locals and abroad, he realised he could use it to make a difference.

He has recruited the support of local entertainers Alan and Val Mowatt, who perform from their home each Friday.

Brenda Ross, known across Angus for her tireless fundraising, has also helped the couple with the charity appeal.

Danny’s live concerts can be viewed on Saturday at 8pm on Facebook at Danny Laverty Hairdressing and people can donate by contacting the page.