Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
A knockout for Willie
Football hero praises their charity work
Bannan Fitness Club raises a four-figure sum for late daughter’s charity
Scottish football legend Willie Henderson has praised Bannan Fitness Club after they raised a four-figure sum for his late daughter’s charity.
Around 70 people climbed Ben Lomond last month in aid of the Michelle Henderson Cervical Cancer Trust, collecting £5230 in the process.
Michelle was only 28 when she tragically passed away five years ago, but before her death launched the charity to raise funds to help hospitals carry out essential research and purchase much-needed equipment.
Bannan Fitness Club trainers, family members and friends participated in the popular organisation’s second fundraising event for the charity.
And a delighted Willie, 73, who began his career at Airdrie before starring for Rangers and Scotland, was presented with a cheque by Bannan’s Thomas Fagan.
Mr Henderson told the Advertiser: “This is a phenomenal effort by Bannan Fitness.
“Thanks to generosity like this, Michelle’s charity has raised £235,000 in just four years.
“Managing to get 70 people up and down Ben Lomond is a wonderful achievement for all involved and I’m delighted they chose to do it for Michelle’s charity.
“My daughter set this up herself before she passed away and the contribution of the Bannan club is a huge help.”
Willie added: “Bannan offer great help to people in the community.
“I often visit the club and you can see the enthusiasm and enjoyment that people get from being here.
“The work that goes on behind the scenes is tremendous and they help set people on a good and positive road in their lives.”
Thomas, who organised the Ben Lomond hike, said: “I’m fortunate to know Willie well.
“He puts his heart and soul into his daughter’s charity and appreciates the money we’ve raised.
“I’ve heard about cervical cancer quite a lot and wanted to do what we could to keep it in the public domain and hopefully help other women.”
Bakery company Morton’s generously doubled the £5 entry fee of participants who completed with walk.
Thomas added: “It was quite a trek but we had a great mix of ages.
“My 10-year-old nephew Tommy took part and we also had a pensioner in the shape of Christine Hannaway with us.
“Unfortunately it rained all the way up and there was even snow at the top, but despite that there was a wonderful atmosphere throughout.”