Moray taxi driver Garey 'Guv' Stewart raises £1400 for Cancer Research UK
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A MORAY taxi driver has raised more than £1000 for charity thanks to sing-songs and story telling on social media.
Garey Stewart (59), who owns Guvnor Taxis in Elgin, started going live on Facebook to sing and tell local stories in an attempt to keep those self-isolating from feeling lonely.
He never considered making money, but when friend Clare Netherton suggested he could raise cash for charity 'Guv' jumped at the idea.
On the first day alone, he raised around £600. The total is now £1400, with all money going to Cancer Research UK.
Garey said: "It all started out of boredom and being tied down in the house.
"I have always liked keeping in touch with people and telling my memories of Elgin. I have lived locally all my life and know a fair bit about local history.
"I told jokes and stories. I'm not too bad at putting a smile on folk's faces.
"Clare suggested I set up a fundraiser and that is how it started. Now I'm even doing a nightly quiz with local based questions."
Garey has found himself looking to pass the time, with his job as a taxi driver put on hold throughout the coronavirus lockdown.
He added: "I've not been out for the last week and a half, at least, and I think it would need to be an emergency now.
"I'm 60 this year. If I was 65, I would be considering giving up self-employment and working part-time.
"I had £12,000 worth of bookings this year, and now nothing. All cancelled. It's worrying times."
But, during those worrying times, Garey has done his best to think of others and put them first.
And, even after lockdown, he hopes to continue bringing joy to local folk.
"I have a karaoke machine and would love to take my singing and story telling to local old folk's homes," he added.
"For now I would just like to thank everyone, from all over, for their donations and say thanks to Clare for the idea of raising cash.
"I also have to practice each song five or six times and do it in my kitchen, so shout-out to my neighbours for understanding. I'll get them a box of earplugs soon!"
