Stingy book fans fail to give in Fife

The normally generous money tin jangled to the tune of only £8.77 after whole shelf of good quality books had disappeared.

Carole Provan, of the Adamson Hospital League of Friends explained: “The Adamson Hospital League of Friends raise money for the hospital by selling books at the bookstall in reception.

“We do not set a price but ask for a donation.

“Recently I was lucky enough to be given a very large number of books in brand new condition by a member of the hospital staff.”

When Carole arrived to collect the donations, as she does every two weeks, she was disappointed by the pittance that had been left in exchange for the books.

“It was so upsetting,” she said. “The whole shelf of books had gone.

“Every time I go to collect the donations, there is approximately £15 – over a year it is a tidy sum for the hospital and as we’re not a very big committee it is a really good way of raising money.”

The stall is often busy with visitors and patients browsing what is on offer but after the recent measly contribution, Carole is now considering removing the stall and instead selling all book donations at the annual Friends of Adamson Christmas bizarre.

“It is such a shame for people who do appreciate the service and I really don’t want to have to start doing that,” she said.

“The problem I think is down to people not thinking or considering the impact, which is greater comfort and equipment for local people.”

The League of Friends fundraise to help supplement the patient and visitor experience at the hospital as well as provide extra equipment over and above what is provided by the NHS thus ensuring equipment is available so that people can be treated locally.

“If donating was an oversight perhaps it could be rectified,” finished Carole.