In the eyes of Kilbryde Hospice, Robert and Karen Russell are Collecting Can Heroes. Robert and Karen, of Chapelton, owners of The Food Stop van based at the Nerston Industrial Estate have been raising vital funds for Kilbryde Hospice for the past four years. Since March 2007, Robert, Karen and the generous customers of The Food Stop have raised more than £1,000 for Kilbryde Hospice.

As Karen, who has also walked The West Highland Way to raise funds for Kilbryde Hospice explained, “We wanted to support a much-needed local charity and Kilbryde Hospice was the perfect choice.”

Robert added, “I’m absolutely delighted that the hospice build will begin next year. It’s brilliant news.” He then encouraged other local businesses to support the building of Kilbryde Hospice, South Lanarkshire’s first in-patient hospice; “Wouldn’t it be great if other vans in East Kilbride and the rest of South Lanarkshire took Kilbryde Hospice collecting cans? That way we could all show our support for Kilbryde Hospice.”

Donna Hegarty, Business Development Manager with Kilbryde Hospice praised the kind-hearted couple’s achievements, “Kilbryde Hospice will become a reality next year thanks to the selfless efforts of people like Robert and Karen. In our eyes, Robert, Karen and the customers of The Food Stop are genuine collecting can heroes.”

Stuart Glen, Kilbryde Hospice’s Fundraising Manager added, “We are immensely grateful for Robert and Karen’s support of Kilbryde Hospice. Collecting cans play an important part in our fundraising activities and the need to raise £650,000 a year to support Kilbryde Hospice services. If like The Food Stop, you own or know a business that would be willing to support Kilbryde Hospice in this way, then please do get in touch with me.”