Kind-hearted East Lothian grandad fixes up boxing club for free to 'inspire others'
A generous East Lothian grandad has completely renovated a local boxing club’s toilets and shower room free of charge.
Alexander Brown, who is the owner of Ideal Flooring Solutions Ltd as well as an author, carried out the work after he learned the gym wanted to relay their bathroom floors but had fallen on hard times.
The 60-year-old, from Musselburgh, said he hopes this act of kindness will inspire others and said he is not looking for any recognition for the charitable work he performed.
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“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t thinking about what I could do to help others,” he said. “When I was 26 or 27 I moved to the Leith Victoria Club to train after being at various other gyms from the age of nine.
“I was motivated to help Leith Victoria because I have always had a special place in my heart for Dougie Fraser and his wife Aileen, who have been involved with Leith Victoria since I can remember.
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“I sponsored boxing events by way of boxers, bouts or taking a table of guests to help them with funds to continue their great work in the past. Dougie and Aileen wanted to pay to renew the floors but after hearing that they had lost coaches and boxers due to them leaving for another club, my heart told me that this amazing lovely couple were in need of an act of kindness.”
Alexander wanted to show the couple some appreciation for the decades of time and support they have given to all those who have used the club.
He argued he wanted to do his bit for the community and urged others to step up if they are able to help those in need of assistance.
“We attended to complete the work on four separate occasions,” he added. “I feel anyone who is in a position to help others really should, but I have been doing this from a young age by way of donations or running marathons or other challenges, like the Kiltwalk and a skydive.
“My friend Scotty and I ran five marathons including Edinburgh, London & New York. We did this in aid of Children with Leukaemia, and the final total we raised was close to £20k.
“My first Kiltwalk 10 years ago raised £2,000 for Radio Satire Charitable causes. I have been doing what I can for over forty years and I will never stop.
“I am constantly helping individuals who are nominated by local councillors or Radio Satire, with a carpet or vinyl for a room or two and even full houses when the family have heartbreaking circumstances. I was poor as a kid but did not really know it.
“Things were very tough but I remember the happy times. I want to make people, especially kids happy, even if it’s just for a short time.
“I hope this will be something they remember. I am very aware that times are very tough for many families and I always see the hard work that people, who are true heroes, put in to run these places that are a vital lifeline to the communities.
“I would encourage anyone in a position to help in any way they can no matter how little they think it is, please do as it will help someone.”
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Dougie and Aileen Fraser were said to be ‘very emotional’ and ‘grateful’ for the act of generosity but Alex said it is him who should be thankful for their lifetime of dedication to the boxing club.
Aileen said: “A massive thank you to Alexander Brown an author, an entrepreneur, a philanthropist and owner of Ideal Flooring Solutions in Musselburgh for our new flooring in our three toilets and shower room. This was an amazing gift to the club.”