By Sarah Curran
A NEWTOWNARDS volunteer has swapped birthday presents for generosity, donating his gift money to Marie Curie.
Nathan Tennis celebrated his 30th birthday recently by donating £744.02 to Marie Curie after a surprise party at Scrabo Golf Club last weekend.
The generous volunteer who helps out at the Marie Curie shop on High Street, had not been expecting the party but had asked in advance for donations to the cancer charity in lieu of presents for his big birthday.
When he entered the shop on Monday carrying a Marie Curie donation bucket, shop manager Heather Brierley said she was ‘blown away’ and had not been expecting the generous donation.
Nathan has volunteered for Marie Curie in town for the last eight years, helping with donated media such as books, DVDs and CDs.
A member of special needs basketball team Ards Wizards, Nathan works at the store on Mondays and Tuesdays, and is known to pop in on a Wednesday to help out.
When asked why he chose to ask for donations for the charity, Nathan simply said he didn’t need it, adding that Marie Curie had been a ‘pleasure to work with’ for the last eight years.
“Their generosity goes a long way,” he said.
Nathan continued that working with customers was his favourite part of the job, with manager Heather adding that he was very ‘friendly and knowledgeable’.
“People are always drawn to him and have a wee chat with him in the mornings,” Heather continued.
“There aren’t many people out there that would do something like this at all. He came in on the Monday with a Marie Curie bucket full of money.
“We were aware he had asked for donations instead of presents, but when he came in with the money we were just completely blown away with how much. It is a real testament to how well he is thought of.”
Heather added her heartfelt thanks for the ‘generous and thoughtful gesture’. “It is an incredible amount of money to donate and it will really make a difference in helping to provide the care and support to those who need it.
“We are really proud that he is a member of our team.” Heather concluded: “We do have an amazing team of volunteers here and they are really loyal and dedicated but what Nathan did was above and beyond!”
