Who we are
Our History
by actor, director, and humanitarian David Hayman, we are a Scottish-based humanitarian relief organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people facing extreme hardship.
Whether responding to emergency crises overseas or supporting vulnerable families on our own doorstep, our mission remains clear: to alleviate suffering, restore dignity, and create real opportunities for the next generation.
What we do
Spirit Aid works tirelessly to protect and empower young people whose lives have been blighted by humanitarian emergencies, poverty, abuse, or a lack of opportunity. We believe in direct action, working on the ground to deliver real relief where it is needed most.
Our work spans four key regions, addressing both immediate survival needs and long-term community empowerment.
From emergency aid distributions in war-torn regions to providing hot meals, winter coats, and educational tools in local Scottish towns, Spirit Aid is committed to lifting young people out of hardship and giving them the tools to thrive.
Scotland
Supporting local families through food security programs, clothing banks, educational initiatives, and creative arts workshops.
Palestine
Delivering aid, healthcare support, and educational resources to children affected by ongoing conflict and hardship.
Afghanistan
Providing vital relief and educational support to vulnerable young people facing severe humanitarian challenges.
Malawi
Supporting community development, nutrition, and schooling initiatives to give children a fair chance at life.
Our Staff
Behind every hot meal delivered, every toy wrapped for Christmas, and every young person supported through tough times lies a passionate, hands-on team at Spirit Aid.
Holding a fundraiser?
Holding an event or corporate fundraiser? why not speak to our team to find out how you can support us.
Jim Murphy has been a director since 2008 and currently holds the post of Chairperson. Before his retirement Jim was a senior partner in a firm of Chartered Accountants based on Glasgow. He has also acted as a management consultant and advisor to a number of privately owned companies.
Jim previously acted as auditor and advisor to various charities and has considerable experience in financial management and corporate governance .
In conjunction with the Board he overseas the financial management and corporate governance of the charity.
David Hayman is a Multi Award-winning Actor, Director and Broadcaster. He has four Honorary Doctorates, a Fellowship, The City of Glasgow’s Gold Medal and the Institute of Scotland’s Hetherington Gold Medal and the Variety Award for Outstanding Scottish Achievement, all for services to the Arts and Humanity. David set up Spirit Aid in 2001 and has been its director of operations ever since.
Jim is a dad and a grandad and is committed to helping Spirit Aid make a difference for families.
Jim Ridley is the logistics expert who brings a great knowledge of transport and distribution which are vital skills that support our toy and food hamper appeals, through his expertise we can reach far out into the community and have support delivered to those most in need.
Jim was a successful businessman, running companies in the demolition industry as well as a transport company.
Jim takes great pride in physically supporting families in need through his efforts delivering food hampers around Greater Glasgow and beyond.
Martin has been in the people business for 30 years and in his own businesses for 21 years. His experience is unrivalled in various industries, he is driven by his values and believes in total service and delivery blended with honesty and integrity, his reputation is everything. Martin wants to make a difference through changing people lives both individually and collectively. As an individual Martin is a passionate leader, influential, practical and accurate.
Patrick Rolink has more than 20 years’ experience as an event organiser and has been involved with Spirit Aid for more than 20 years, and currently runs the Spirit Aid office on a day to day basis.
Patrick also is very hands on and can often be seen delivering food hampers in Greater Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
Three years ago, Patrick suffered a life changing Stroke, but rather than succumb to the health issue….he was determined to get back to Spirit Aid and has since taken part in two consecutive Glasgow Kiltwalks.
Mitchell Gibb has been fundraising for various charities for more than 20 years and has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to support those in need, he has a wealth of ideas and a passion for arranging great events that generate valuable donations to Spirit Aid.
Bernard has been a journalist and broadcaster for nearly 40 years. He is best known for his 34 year tenure with the commercial broadcaster STV. He served as the stations Political Editor for nineteen years and Special Correspondent for five years. He has won three Royal Television Society Awards for his work. He continues to broadcast presenting his own podcast and anchoring a Sunday show for Go Radio. He joined the board of Spirit Aid earlier this year.
