AN award-winning community fundraiser is using his skills to generate income for a lifesaving Inverclyde charity. 

James Crawford, 35, has been headhunted by the team at Man On Inverclyde and is now raising cash for the suicide prevention organisation. 

James raised more than £50,000 in three years through his own Facebook page and used the money to buy vital supplies for community groups and charities all over Inverclyde. 

At the Greenock Telegraph Community Champion Awards 2024, the dedicated fundraiser scooped the Charity Champion of the Year title in recognition of his commitment to making life better for people and families across the area. 

James said he was 'totally overwhelmed' when Man On approached him about the job. 

He said: "I'm so excited to be involved. 

"I just love helping people and it's amazing to know that Man On have faith in me to raise money for the charity. 

"It really means a lot."

James has set up a page on Facebook - Man On Inverclyde Fundraising Page - which is dedicated to raising money for the cause. 

He'll be running a lot of different competitions and raffles and offering amazing prizes. 

James is already signed up for the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in September, and is planning to host regular fundraising events like car boot sales. 

(Image: Duncan Bryceland)
The dedicated fundraiser said he wants to get as many people across Inverclyde as possible following the page. 

He added: "I've helped so many people so far and it's great to know that I've had a good impact on the community. 

"I'm going to keep doing that for this amazing cause."

Chris Paul said the Man On team are 'buzzing' to have James on board. 

He added: "James has done a lot for us in his own time and co-ordinated a lot of things, and he's really positive about what we're trying to do in the community. 

"He's been involved with us on a voluntary basis, and now we want to transition some of that work over by giving him a role and doing things more formally. 

"I know he's really passionate about suicide prevention and supporting positive mental health. 

"James has a lot of great ideas and we want people to really engage with him and support his fundraising. 

"He's been a breath of fresh air and is very well-liked in the community. 

"The more income we can generate, the more we can work with people to prevent suicide."