Raffle in memory of late Inverness Stagecoach driver who lost fight against Covid-19 raises money for Raigmore ICU
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A raffle has raised £500 for the intensive care unit at Raigmore Hospital.
It was held in memory of the late George White, a popular Inverness bus driver who lost a month-long fight against Covid-19.
George (57) died in April 2020 in the intensive care unit at the hospital where he had been on a ventilator in an induced coma.
The raffle was organised by Mr White's partner Sharron Mackenzie (52).
George lived in the Culcabock area and had worked for Stagecoach first as a driver and then, for the last six months, as a ticket inspector.
He was survived by partner Sharron, children Paul and Nicole and his five grandchildren Jamie, Theo, Riley, Billy and Brodie as well as step-son William who has just had the arrival of baby Willow.
Sharron first met George while she was working behind the bar at a city centre pub which he frequented with fellow Stagecoach driver Alan Amour (52) who has been helping with the fundraising.
George was also a member of Inverness Golf Club, and would meet regularly in the nearby pub The Fluke, where he and fellow golfers were known as The Fluke’s Good Men.
Sharron said: "It all started thirteen years ago. In 2014 I had a massive fit and fell down the stairs so George was like my carer.
"We got together when I was working in MacCallum's bar.
"Myself and George used to put together hampers and raffles.
"We'd go to the children's ward and ICU and give them big hampers at Christmas time and the like.
"The year before George passed away we did 15 hampers and raised money with The Fluke's Good Men.
"Alan and George did a lot of charity bits. Alan has always been there since George took ill."
George had booked Sharron into her first ever concert to see boyband Westlife live but the plan fell through.
However Alan has managed to rearrange the gig for later this year - in memory of George.
Sharron said: "George was a big family man.
"You always knew when George was driving a bus cause they could smell his Joop. The whole day"
Sharron thanked all those who bought raffle tickets.
Alan added: "I was overwhelmed by the generosity - especially at this time when people don't have much money.
"Many folk were giving just on the basis of what it was going towards.
"They dipped in like no tomorrow when not many people have anything to give."
Sharron said: "We just want to say thank you to everyone."
The raffle was held at the bus station in Inverness city centre to celebrate George's life.
