A Glenrothes man who made national news for feeding homeless people in Edinburgh has been given the honour of starting his local team’s ice hockey season.
Robert Aitken, who works in a mobile phone shop, created a justgiving page seeking to raise £500 for the capital’s rough sleepers.
However, his act of kindness hit the headlines after he smashed his target, with donations currently totalling over £3,000.
The 24-year-old, who also works at a fast food restaurant, is an avid Fife Flyers fan, with the club surprising him during a television interview by giving him the honour of dropping the first puck at the opening of the new ice hockey season.
He will also be allowed to bring a group of friends to Fife Ice Arena and will meet the squad ahead of officially starting the Flyers season.
Detailing how he started his charitable work, Mr Aitken said: “I met a man named Davie, his story hit my heart the most.
“He had been serving his country for 13 years and had to leave because he had PTSD.
“Coming back to civilisation after so many years at war wasn’t easy for him.
“He began to break down, a grown man breaking down because he has nothing.
I became overwhelmed and began to cry myself.
“I hugged him and said you’re not alone.
“These small words can change someone’s thoughts about life and the future.
“Also giving them some food gives them that bit of hope that there is decent human beings out there.
“My mission when I set out was to get a smile on someone’s face.”
Robert’s work also saw him invited on to the This Morning TV show to explain his motivation to help.