Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
River City star makes a welcome return
Jordan backs Kit Aid
River City star Jordan Young paid another visit to Monklands – this time to help Airdrie Supporters’ Trust with their charity efforts in support of the Kit Aid initiative.
The actor, who was part of the star- studded line-up at the Advertiser’s fundraising football match for St Andrew’s Hospice last month, was back in town for the Airdrie fair day on Saturday.
He was invited along by well-connected local radio presenter Ross Owen as part of his charity link-up with the Trust.
The supporters collected football strips and other items of kit including shorts and socks, which they will then donate to youngsters in Africa.
Ross told the Advertiser: “Jordan played in the recent hospice football match, and I asked if he’d come along to the fair day to support the Trust.
“He came along and signed some autographs and did selfies, with all donations at the stall going to Kit Aid and people being encouraged to bring along old tops, shorts and socks to go to kids abroad who need them.
“That’s what the fair day is about, and it was a great atmosphere and absolutely mobbed; there were queues for the whole time that Jordan was there and it was great to see so many people coming out and bringing their kids.
“Everybody I spoke to said the same thing, that it was the best Airdrie fair day for years, with the great weather and the amount of people. It was fantastic and I hope it goes on to be even bigger and better.”
It came hot on the heels of last month’s hospice football fundraiser, in which Ross made a brief cameo before leading the pitchside entertainment as sporting and screen stars lined up at the Airdrie stadium in support of the St Andrew’s capital appeal.
He added: “That was just so amazing – the game certainly attracted the crowds; I don’t think I’ve seen that many people at Airdrie in years!
“Everyone there on the day loved it, the sun shining adds to any atmosphere, and it was a complete success for every single player who took part and spectator who saw their heroes like Graeme Souness, Neil Lennon and Ally McCoist.
“It was a big occasion and grew arms and legs in the final few weeks, and was just a fantastic day.”
Ross has interviewed a host of stars from both sides of the Atlantic for his self- titled radio show, which is broadcast on Black Sky Radio in Kansas and streamed online.
The presenter, who is originally from Whinhall, has helped the Airdrie Supporters’ Trust raise more than £ 12,000 in the past 18 months for their charity projects through auctioning Diamonds strips autographed by celebrities including Mark Hamill, Tom Hanks and William Shatner.
He told the Advertiser: “The next one is an Eastenders autographed strip; Perry Fenwick, who plays Billy Mitchell, is a friend of mine and said he’d take a top to Albert Square.
“I have a photo of him wearing it, and it’s been signed by cast members including Danny Dyer and Phil Mitchell actor Steve McFadden.
“That’s the latest one – and I’ve also just heard that Clint Eastwood had just agreed to sign an Airdrie strip too!”
Now Ross – who celebrates his 50th birthday today – is preparing for a special event as he welcomes Still Game star Gavin Mitchell, aka Bobby the barman, for a question- and- answer event at Airdrie’s Penny Cars stadium.
The event takes place on Saturday, July 21, at 7pm, and will see guests enjoy an episode of the comedy on the big screen in the Rowan suite, followed by an interview, questions from the audience and a meetand-greet session.
Ross added: “I’ve done Still Game events like this previously in Fife with Gavin and other cast members; they’ve gone down really well and Gavin is looking forward to being in Airdrie for this.”
Admission costs £ 10 and tickets are available at http://www.wegottickets. com/event/442576 and at Airdrie Cardshop, Kandy Land and the stadium.
That’s what the fair day is about