Charity legend in freak tram track accident
● Messages of goodwill pour in for Tom Gilzean after fall from mobility scooter
Goodwill messages were flooding in for the legendary fundraiser Tom Gilzean last night after he was involved in a freak accident at a tram stop.
The 99-year-old Army veteran fell from his mobility scooter on to the tram tracks at York Place in Edinburgh while making his daily pilgrimage into the city centre at around 10am yesterday.
He suffered a nasty head wound in the fall.
Horrified onlookers rushed to his aid before he was taken to the city’s Royal Infirmary. His condition last night was described as “stable”.
Posting on the Tom Gilzean Appreciation Society Facebook page, his son Douglas wrote: “On behalf of my father Tom, I would like to thank you all for your very good wishes.”
He added: “I have just spoken to the hospital doctor and they advise that Dad has had a full body scan and so far they have not found anything untoward.
“He has a cut and a bump on his head, sore chest and hand and still to X-ray his hand, but they feel that at his age, 99, he has been very lucky.
“I will pass on all your good wishes.”
The city’s Lord Provost Frank Ross – Edinburgh’s Veterans Champion – said: “We are all wishing Tam well and hoping he has a speedy recovery.
“I hope to see him back out there soon in his trademark tartan, shaking his tin for charity.”
Hundreds of people posted messages of support for the Edinburgh veteran on social media.
Sasha Mcleod wrote: “This is very upsetting to hear. I really hope Tom recovers well and soon.
“He is an absolute inspiration and a national treasure.”
Elaine Mcrae added: “Such a hero. Hoping for a speedy recovery, Tom, and back to your old spot in Princes Street soon.”
Fans of the Tom Gilzean Appreciation Society Facebook page added tributes, with Emma Porter writing: “Brilliant news there’s nothing too serious, hope he recovers from his injuries soon.
“Tom really is an asset to our city and hope he’s back out doing what he loves soon.”
In June Mr Gilzean was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, receiving an MBE for his services to charity after raising more than £1 million.
The proceeds of his fundraising over 24 years has gone to such causes as the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and the Erskine care home for veterans of the armed forces in Renfrewshire.
The former bus driver has become a prominent and loved figure on Princes Street, sporting tartan trews and the numerous medals he has received over a lifetime of service during war and peace.