A WELLINGTON School parent has set up a crowdfunder page to raise money to help their much loved lollipop man retire.

Alex McNeillie, who has been serving the Wellington community for some 32 years has been forced to step down from his duties due to family illness. So far some £1,380 has been raised of a £500 target.

Maxine Allan who set up the campaign wants everyone who has links with Wellington as a parent or former pupil over the past three decades to donate.

Maxine said: “Our long standing, reliable lollipop man Alex McNeillie has been sadly forced to retire from his Lollipop Duties at Wellington School in Ayr due to family illness.

“We, as a family and friends are all deeply saddened to hear of the news, and as a parent of Wellington School for many years, with my three children attending the school and my nephew attending since 1998, he will be missed.

“Alex greeted us all with his occasional cheery face in the cold early mornings of school drop off and with the same chirpy comments during the pandemonium parking fiascos of school pick up. 

“We could always rely on Alex for a funny comment to get your day started. Well, I know I did.

“I was aware of Alex’s own health issues which were starting to niggle away at him despite my attempt at buying him a massive bottle of cod liver oil tablets which, as he described - ‘each one could choke a horse!’ - perhaps on reflection they were too large.

“I only recently heard after Christmas of his dear wife’s ill health. Most of you will be aware that Alex was blessed with at least 17 grand children.
 “I know for sure that Alex didn’t wish to retire and in his own words ‘ Ave a gid few years in me yet!’...

“I’m also aware that Alex was not financially flush and early retirement would most definitely not help his financial circumstances at home therefore rather than buy him chocolates, flowers and other gifts I felt that a financial donation towards making his retiring years that little bit more enjoyable would be most appreciated.

“Some of you may prefer to give your own presents however I’m sure a lovely lump sump of cash would go a long way to assist him and his family over this time.

"Please leave your personal messages here [on the fundraising page] too for Alex and I shall ensure that he gets to read them.”

To donate or leave a message visit http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/help-wellys-alex-mcneillie-in-his-retirement/?utm_source=crowdfunder&utm_medium=dashboardfacebookblock&utm_content=shareonfacebook&utm_campaign=marketing