A MUSSELBURGH businessman has said he feels “humble but happy” after receiving recognition in the House of Commons for his lifetime of charity fundraising.

Tribute was paid to Alex Brown, owner of Ideal Flooring Solutions, by East Lothian’s MP Kenny MacAskill, who praised his efforts which have been highlighted by the East Lothian Courier and Musselburgh Courier, including recent sales in Tranent to raise money for local charities.

Mr MacAskill told Mr Brown: “I was delighted to hear about your brilliant efforts for ongoing fundraising in East Lothian.

“I have been following your stories in the Courier with interest.”

He said: “In light of the recent achievement, I was proud to lodge a motion in Parliament for you.

“This is in recognition of all your efforts, particularly during the recent pandemic – not an easy task.

“Well done – please accept my congratulations and best wishes.”

The motion states: “That this House applauds the fundraising efforts of Alex Brown from Musselburgh; recognises that. . . he has donated money to two Tranent charities – Tranent Belters and the East Lothian Foodbank; understands that Alex has been involved in charitable fundraising for much of his life; and encourages Alex in his intention to raise money in East Lothian on a continuing basis.”

Ideal Flooring Solutions decided to hold a carpet and vinyl clearance sale every Sunday for about six weeks at Bridge Street in Tranent.

The business, based on Musselburgh High Street, decided to donate profits from the sale to Tranent Belters and East Lothian Foodbank, based on Tranent’s Civic Square.

East Lothian Courier:

Mr Brown, 58, a Musselburgh resident, aims to keep helping other local charities.

Last weekend was the final Sunday sale for a few weeks but it will return to continue supporting the community.

Mr Brown said: “We will have raised £600 for East Lothian Foodbank and £600 for the Tranent Belters.

“We are going to give and fit two office carpets for the foodbank as soon as we can find the time.”

Mr Brown has always been eager to raise money to help others, having completed several events for charity such as marathons and half marathons in the past.

He handed over a cheque for £1,000 to Radio Saltire after facing his fear of heights to complete a skydive in Dubai in aid of the Tranent-based charity two years ago.

More recently, he shaved his head to raise funds for NHS workers during the Covid-19 lockdown, creating a public Facebook page – ‘Shave Your Head For The NHS’ – where photos of newly shaven heads were posted.

He is also planning to fit out the Musselburgh offices of CHANGES community health project with flooring.

Mr Brown, who is also an author, said: “I feel very humble but happy to be applauded in the House of Commons. I will continue to do charity work and donate to local good causes.”