Bill Beveridge , a keen and skilled bowler, suffered an aneurysm on the bowling green in 1998 and was forced to give up work through ill health.

He later underwent some heart surgery and, after making good progress healthwise, decided to take a course in Social Care at Glenrothes College.

It was at this point that came into contact with service users of the Robert Gough Centre and decided to get involved, becoming the coach for their grass and indoor bowling team made up of service users.

Unfortunately, after only a few months, Bill suddenly suffered a severe stroke and was incapacitated for quite some time. His recovery was slow and left him with severe physical disability. Through sheer determination, and undaunted, Bill returned to the Centre to continue his coaching. Bill’s volunteering has made a tremendous difference to the bowling team.

Bill has an extremely positive attitude towards life. His ambition is to become fitter and stronger so that he can do more voluntary work in Fife. Through his volunteering he has helped the team with their self esteem and confidence and has inspired them with his commitment and enthusiasm. Bill went on to win the Fife Volunteer of the Year Awards 2004.

Bill says, “I get a lot of satisfaction from doing something which is really worth while. Due to my disability, I had not been able to work full time and had been feeling quite aimless. Volunteering has given me a goal in life – it’s really given me a boost."