An Aberdeenshire family has made a £1,600 donation to Turning Point Scotland in memory of 24-year-old Kyle. The donation was made to TPS Aberdeenshire Peer Support service that is committed to helping build a vibrant and welcoming recovery community. 

Kyle, father to an infant daughter, was due to be married when he died suddenly from an accidental overdose in September 2021. The latest TPS Aberdeenshire Peer Support Roadshow event, held in Westhill at the end of March, was attended by Kyle’s aunt, Fiona. 

Fiona with Lead Practitioner, Mike

TPS Aberdeenshire Peer Support Service Manager Karen Watson thanked Kyle’s family for the donation and welcomed Fiona’s participation at the roadshow.

“The roadshow was supported by community members and local services who came along to find out more about our service.It was great to hear their ideas and how we could help them develop peer support in Westhill.

“It was heartening to see the desire from the local community to embed recovery focused peer supports and also develop support for family members in their local community.

“During the event we also delivered life-saving naloxone training to community members.’’

Local Community Members with Karen and Fiona

After the death of her nephew, Fiona began a running challenge in November 2021 to raising £1,600 in memory of Kyle.

‘‘With the support and blessing of my sister Debi, I embarked on a challenge to complete 5 kilometres every day in November, completing the last run on 30 November accompanied by very supportive friends.

“I was truly overwhelmed and grateful to the support I received from Westhill community members who made up the majority of the donations I received. Also, on hearing of my decision to do this challenge in Kyle’s name, my employer Global Resources generously donated £500. 

“We chose to donate the money to Turning Point Scotland because we were impressed with the support provided ‘Because People Matter’.’’