An 83-year-old army veteran, who is currently in 12 weeks of self-isolation, has donated his birthday to raise money for a charity close to his heart.
Steve Scott, from Feltwell, is asking people to donate to Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a national charity which supports 395 bereaved armed forces children across the UK, rather than give him gifts.
Born in 1937, Mr Scott grew up in a military family and understands the pain of losing a parent so young, after his own father was killed during World War II when he was only four-years-old.
After discovering the charity nearly ten years ago when he retired from the forces, Mr Scott has always done whatever he can to show his support.
Although he is unable to leave his home, the 83-year-old decided he would take to Facebook to ask his friends and family to donate money instead of buying him birthday cards and presents.
He said: “I first discovered Scotty’s almost 10 years ago. I phoned and explained that I was retired and ex-military and had a lot of time on my hands.
“Before I knew it, I was volunteering on stalls, tin collections, you name it. It’s Nikki and my personal experience that attracted me to the charity.
“When my dad died there wasn’t any support available and a single parent wasn’t the norm, even though when the war ended lots of dads didn’t come home to their family.
“When I went to school at eight-years-old, there was no support for children like me. I left school at 15 years-old and joined the Army at 17 where I stayed until I was 40.”
Scotty’s Little Soldiers was founded by war widow Nikki Scott in 2010 after her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, was killed in Afghanistan the previous year, leaving behind two young children.
Following the outbreak of the coronavirus, the charity said it has had to adapt to the changes put in place so it can continue to deliver support.
Nikki Scott said: “Steve is an absolute legend and it’s a true honour to have someone like him as a volunteer fundraising for Scotty’s. He’s part of our family.
“In the current climate we need supporters like Steve to help us maintain our fundraising, as our members need us now more than ever.
“Donating your birthday like Steve has done is one incredible way of helping us through these difficult times.”
To donate to Steve’s birthday fundraiser visit www.facebook.com/donate/354138908877687/
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