A north-east oil and gas training facility has donated nearly £20,000 to a local cancer charity.
Aberdeen Drilling School selected Friends of Anchor – who support the Aberdeen and North Centre for Haematology, Oncology and Radiotherapy at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary – as its nominated good cause for 2014.
Through various fundraising efforts, staff managed to raise £19,670.
These included donating £10 from every course booking with the school to the charity.
In addition, staff also took part in the Baker Hughes 10k and Aberdeen Boat Club’s Intercompany Row.
The charity is close to the hearts of staff at the school, as its director Steve Redgrave – who lives in Kintore – was diagnosed with colorectal cancer two-years ago.
Mr Redgrave, who is still undergoing treatment, said: “What Anchor provides is phenomenal, not just the treatment, but there’s always someone there to talk to.
“There is always someone to help and guide you, not only for the patients but for the families too. They just make time for you, no question is too stupid.
“And it’s not just patients from Aberdeen there, it’s from across the north of Scotland.
“Right now, I’m in the hospital for three days every fortnight and then I go home, but if you are a patient from Orkney or Shetland, you can’t just do that.”
The 66-year-old, who is married with four children, says the ward staff have provided invaluable support to his family.
He continued: “Not to say treatment is easier for the patient but they have to get on with it, whereas the family have to sit and watch.
“My wife, Lorna, tends to accompany me to most sessions or meetings and the staff always answer any questions she might have.
“I feel, through Aberdeen Drilling School, we were in a position to help when others are not, so we should.”
Rhona Miller, Friends of Anchor’s PR and fundraising executive said: “We are overwhelmed by the generosity shown by the team at Aberdeen Drilling School.
“The commitment and passion that they have shown the charity over the past year is incredible.
“Every penny they have raised will go directly to helping cancer and haematology patients in our region.”