Banff man's charity boost is like music to their ears
A BLIND singer, musician and composer has defied the odds of his disability by drumming up £1,000 for charity in his 90th year.
Banff’s Andy Dey, with the help of family and friends, recorded two albums, initially intended as Christmas presents last year.
However, helped by word-of-mouth, the albums proved very popular and people offered to donate money in exchange for a copy, and the cash – totalling £1,000 to date – was handed over to North East Sensory Services (NESS).
Mr Dey, who has been registered blind since he was 40 years old, decided to donate the money he raised to NESS to help it continue to support visually and hearing-impaired people in the local area.
To celebrate his success and his 90th birthday, Mr Dey, who resides in Banff Care Home, got together with friends and family at the Fife Lodge Hotel in Banff recently for a tea party and music session.
Mr Dey’s niece Anne Coull said he deserved recognition for all the good work he has done.
She said: "Andy is forever singing or playing at the local church or at coffee mornings, or in his evenings, so it was lovely to all come together and celebrate his achievement.
"We are so proud that he has managed to raise £1,000 for such a worthy charity as NESS, which is a service that he himself uses.
"It was a great day, there were around 55 people who attended, a mix of family and friends and members of the Macduff Strathspey and Reel society too.
"Everyone joked that you had to have a talent to come along! It was a great day, with lots of music and laughter.
"Andy turned 90 in January, but unfortunately wasn’t well, so we thought this was a great opportunity to celebrate his 90th year and show appreciation for what he does."
Bruce Cruickshank, who is the fundraising assistant for NESS, attended the event and received the cheque on behalf of the charity.
Ms Coull added: "Andy was delighted that Bruce from NESS came along to receive the cheque."
Mr Dey has been interested in traditional music and songs all his life and had early exposure to some of the giants of the School of Scottish Studies’ contributors, including Lordie Hay and Jimmy Macbeath.
NESS supports people with serious sight or hearing loss to overcome practical and emotional challenges and achieve independence across Aberdeenshire, Moray, Aberdeen, Dundee, Angus and Perth and Kinross.
