A kind-hearted Edinburgh woman has raised over £50,000 after shaking charity tins for nearly 44 years - and revealed her secret to getting people to donate.
Stephanie Wint can't wait to get back out doing what she loves after the Covid pandemic saw charity fundraising move online for much of the year.
The 64-year-old, who has launched a JustGiving page for Marie Curie here, reveals this will be her first year since the '90s that she's not been out fundraising.
"I used to live in Aberdeen one springtime I heard on the radio an appeal for collectors for Marie Curie's Great Daffodil Appeal and started there really, which was in 1992.
"Then I moved to Edinburgh and wanted to carry it on and I'm still doing it today," Stephanie said.
Despite holding down a full-time job at Sainsbury's, Stephanie has won awards for the amount of cash she's managed to raise.
She said: "I love it so much. I've been Scotland's top collector in The Great Daffodil Appeal four times and got an award in September for my outstanding commitment to the charity.
"This would have been my 29th year of helping with the appeal. I have raised over £25,000 in that time, for the charity.
"I've made friends for life through it as well, it's just wonderful."
Stephanie, who lives in the Dumbiedykes area of the city, has raised over £50,000 for a number of charities for nearly 44 years, including Alzheimer Scotland and Cash for Kids.
She has revealed her secret to raising the most amount of cash, which includes choosing busy seasons in the capital and donning some impressive costumes.
“I pick certain times of the year, in the summer when the was festival on you know it will do well. Well, I usually do another collection in December with the idea that the place is busy.
“I thought I’ll do it, it will give people a laugh and hopefully give money. You certainly get some remarks and it really makes people laugh, that’s my key to success", Stephanie explained.
She added: "When I started I couldn't keep a straight face and couldn't keep a straight face and was kind of shaky, I started the costumes in 2005 when I moved down here.
"I dress in seasonal attire for Christmas time, like Mrs Claus, and then I have a Victorian nurse. People just love it, they think I'm quite brave to do it."
Stephanie was disappointed to not be able to get out and about fundraising this year, she says people can look out for her in Sainsbury's local stores, including her own store in West Port.
You can donate to Stephanie's JustGiving page here.
