Trevor is 63 and has been street collecting for the charity Zoës Place, Normanby, one of three Baby Hospices in England, for the past 5 years. During this time his endless efforts have raised a staggering amount of well over £22,000 for the charity.
Trevor can be found throughout the year, in all weathers, standing in the Station Precinct collecting for the Charity. This daily occupation has ensured his recognition as part of the Saltburn street scene. He is supported in his efforts by local businesses who supply him with warm drinks. Trevor also holds a car boot stall every Sunday to raise funds.
"I do it because I enjoy it", he says. "I like to help the children and I like meeting the people of Saltburn."
Mark Guidery, General Manager of Zoë's Place says that, “Trevor is a one in a million. He is very special to everyone here at the hospice and for one man to raise so much money over the years is quite remarkable. Rain or shine you can find him out and about in Saltburn with his Zoë's Place collecting tin and he seems to be known to everyone. Trevor is very much part of Zoë's Place and we are all proud to have him as a member of the team.”
The money Trevor has raised for Zoë’s Place has been used to purchase specially adapted cots, mattresses and baby alarm systems.
One of three children, Trevor was born in South Bank. His dad worked at Dorman Longs and his mum worked as a cook at Red Barns, Redcar. "I was slow at learning," he explains, "so I went to Eston Lowfields Special School until I was sixteen when I left to work at the docks."
After four years as a general labourer Trevor left the docks to work for the Council as a road sweeper. It was during this time that his father died.
Later, Trevor took a job at Lackenby BOS plant and worked on the lift. Having left home, he lived at a number of different places until he got his own bungalow. Eventually he was offered at place at Victoria Lodge, a Saltburn Residential home for adults, where he enjoys having his own room with TV and CD player. He has been living there for the past twenty two years and is the homes longest resident.
Trevor is full of praise for the staff: "They are very caring and can't do enough for you," he says.
When Zoë's place opened Trevor decided he would like to help and started collecting money. He says it keeps him busy. Last summer, he ran a Charity event at The Spa, raising £510 and plans another event to help finance the repairs after the recent flood damage at the hospice.
Trevor is no stranger to early morning starts as he has had a part-time job at The Spar for five years delivering newspapers. "I'm up at six and out at seven," he says.
The highlight of his year is a five day holiday to Scarborough, his favourite destination. He used to go with his family when he was a child when they rented a flat but Trevor has since managed to enjoy staying at The Grand Hotel.
Trevor is interested in history and loves watching history programmes on TV. One of his favourite programmes is "Time Team". He likes the old buildings at Preston Park and Kirkleatham Museum. He also likes old churches and enjoys learning more about Saltburn Methodist and Emmanuel Churches. He is not a great traveller but says he would like to see the pyramids.
Trevor is also fond of music, particularly Pavarotti, Mozart and Beethoven. When Victoria Lodge had a piano he used to enjoy playing. "I can't read music," he says, "but I can play a little by ear." His Granddad Davis, who lived in Grangetown, was in a harmonica band and would often play when Trevor visited.
If pets were allowed at Victoria Lodge Trevor would have a cat. But he has lots of friends at the Lodge and says he is very happy. He enjoys meeting people and would like to thank everyone who has supported him over the years.
This award is a fitting tribute to Trevor from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and recognition for his continued efforts.
