Kirkcaldy funeral director's £4000 to Victoria Hospital renal unit in memory of owner

Fife Funeral Services, which has been in the town for over 100 years, has raised the cash for the unit as Billy suffered from kidney problems since birth and have supported him throughout his life.

Tracy Millar, Billy’s sister and director of Fife Funeral Services, said: “Billy worked alongside our dad Gordon in the business ever since he left high school, and took over as owner when dad stepped down a few years ago.

"He had suffered from kidney problems since birth and needed dialysis for most of his life before receiving a compatible kidney transplant seven or eight years ago.

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"He was so very grateful to everyone from the renal unit who was involved in giving him a new lease of life.

"Billy never thought of himself as a businessman, but what he achieved in his time running the business was amazing. He was a massive character, well loved, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

John Penman, a funeral director with Fife Funeral Services, had the idea to raise the money for the unit as a way of honouring his boss and friend.

He said: “I mentioned to Tracy about doing something to raise money for his memory, and we decided that I would take on the Marcothon Challenge where I ran five kilometres every day in December, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve.

"We set up a Crowdfunder and raised £2000 with Tracy matching the total to take it up to £4000.

"I have been with Fife Funeral Services for 10 years now – Billy was not only my boss, but also my friend.

"He was a great guy and everyone who knew him thought highly of him.

"If anyone at work had any problems he was the first to help them out, and would do anything that he could for them. He was a really genuine guy and will be sorely missed by us all.”

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