The Rosyth-based friends recently donated a total of £1,750 to the Rosyth Sea Cadets, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), Food Shack Fife and the Tartan Talkers, by selling goods at their little stall and organising raffles.
Both John and Sandy have had their own difficulties in life, and are now looking to do something positive in their community.
Sandy told the Press: “I had a wild life, I was born in Rosyth in 41, I’m the first Scottish member of my family. I was such a wild sod in my young days. I was often in the paper but under the sheriff’s court column.
“In 1985 I came off the streets, I was homeless in Plymouth. I had to go to AA and rehab for two years, I was a right mess.
“I trained to be a counsellor and a therapist and worked in recovery homes for drunks and addicts. I worked for the police force, and for victim support down in Plymouth.
“After the referendum I thought ‘sod this, I’m going back up home to see what’s going on’ and I came back to Scotland. After about two or three years, I thought what can I do to pay it back? I often felt guilty so I looked around and thought ‘I’ll try and raise funds for somebody.”
From there, Sandy started raising money for various Scottish charities and John wanted to get involved, adding: “I just wanted to be a part of it!”
They’ve been fundraising for three years now and have raised thousands over the years by purchasing stock and selling it off, with 100% of the money going to different groups.
(Image: Supplied)Each of the two friends have experience with mental health issues, and Tartan Talkers, in particular, was close to their hearts.
John struggled after his wife died and Sandy had previously attempted suicide. He said: “The reason that Tartan Talkers appealed to me is because I’ve attempted suicide four times and the last time was about 1995.”
John chimed in that someone out there wanted Sandy to have a second chance, and with that second chance, Sandy has gone on to help others.
Jackie Walls, who set up the male suicide prevention and awareness charity in 2022, added: “Losing a loved one to suicide can be very expensive so we have been donating £500 to families to help with the cost of the funeral to relieve some of the financial strain.
“The last thing bereaved families need is additional worry, so Sandy and John’s donation will go towards helping bereaved families.
“They are absolute troopers and are out in all weathers to support charities. We are so grateful and thankful to them for this donation because we are all volunteers and rely largely on funding to keep the charity going.”
Sandy and John are due to start their next year of fundraising in February or March, to keep up to date with their efforts and find out how you can support them, join their Facebook Group.
If you need help from Tartan Talkers, go to www.tartantalkers.scot, or alternatively call 07474 722 982, 7482 425 528, or 01383 242 960