Supporting our heroes in the NHS
Candles help to raise smile and thank frontline staff
A kind-hearted Strath resident has been on a mission to bring some light into the lives of frontline workers.
Comrie’s Debbie Matthew, of local business Debbie’s Candles, has been putting smiles on the faces of NHS workers by gifting special candles to them.
And already more than 160 candles have been sent out, including to the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit and Tay Ward at Perth Royal Infirmary, Crieff Medical Centre, Comrie Medical Centre and Comrie Chemist.
Debbie’s latest round of fundraising has also generated enough candles to supply the staff at Crieff ambulance station and eight oncology nurses at PRI.
She told the Herald: “It’s lovely to be able to make people smile in these awful times. Our NHS staff work so hard and deserve a treat.”
Debbie continued: “I love being able to fundraise through my business.
“I just asked round my candle groups and customers to see if anyone wanted to donate £5 for a candle for the NHS, and I told everybody which departments I wanted to do it for.
“And with the commission on the candles I bought more, which meant I could donate to more.
“Thank you to everyone who donated candles and for helping make this mission possible.
“A big thank you also to the businesses that donated money for candles - Vino Fandango and Johnny Matthew Hay & Straw.”
In addition, Debbie has begun a separate fundraiser for the care home which looks after her brother Stephen Aitken, who has cerebral palsy.
Debbie added: “They have all really been struggling with having no visitors or outside activities.
“I’m trying to raise money to buy them an inspired interaction touchscreen table. It will make a huge difference to their lives but the tables cost between £4000-£6000 so I have a lot of work to do.”
Senior nurse manager Diane Chapman has been helping with deliveries of the candles for her colleagues at Perth Royal Infirmary.
She said: “The teams were all delighted with the kindness of Debbie and the candles brought a smile.”
The teams were all delighted with the kindness of Debbie