An Edinburgh war veteran and charity stalwart, who has single-handedly raised over £157,000 for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, now has a plight of his own and is seeking help from the local public.

Tom Gilzean, 95, is well known for braving all weathers in his trademark tartan trousers to fundraise seven days a week on the Capital’s streets, but current repairs needed on his trusted electric wheelchair look set to jeopardise his incredible fundraising efforts.

Now, the Sick Kids Friends Foundation is calling out on Tom’s behalf for Edinburgh-based businesses to come forward and fund a service and four new wheels for his wheelchair, as well as any other necessary repairs.

Pippa Johnston, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, told of Tom’s ceaseless commitment to the cause and how deserving he is of this much-needed assistance.

Pippa said: “Tom is an inspiring man who has dedicated so many years to giving back and we continue to be overwhelmed by the huge amount of support that he gives to patients and their families.

“We are very fortunate to have someone who so selflessly gives up his time for the good of the Edinburgh community. Now, though, he is in need of his beloved City’s support, and we are hoping that there are others out there who are just as kind-hearted as he is and who will come forward to help him.

“We would encourage any local Edinburgh or the Lothians-based business that is keen to give its support, and able to provide the services and repairs Tom’s wheelchair requires, to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Tom, who first began collecting for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation after his wife Anne sadly passed away, was named Fundraiser of the Year at STV’s Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes awards and also become the eighth person to receive the coveted Edinburgh Award in 2015. This year, the devoted veteran has set himself a target of raising £60,000 for the charity.

Tom said: “I would be absolutely delighted if there was someone in the City who would be able to help me out and carry out the necessary repairs on my wheelchair, so I can continue with my fundraising and hopefully smash my target this year.

“Raising money for SKFF is a very important part of my life and I am incredibly grateful to the people of Edinburgh for all the support they have given me over the years.

“I want to keep collecting for charity for as long as I am able, so it would be fantastic to find someone who could support me in achieving this.”

If you wish to support Tom Gilzean, please get in touch as soon as possible with Alicia Simpson on 0131 561 2242 or alicia@holyroodpr.co.uk