CHARITY MASCOT SQUIRRELS THE CASH AWAY
Match raises funds
Football fans went nuts for Kilbryde Hospice on Sunday.
A Hospice Select played East Kilbride Amateurs in a charity match at K-Park and Hope the Squirrel – the charity’s mascot– was in attendance to collect donations.
Hundreds of pounds was raised on the day and all proceeds will go direct to the hospice, who continue to provide palliative care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses such as cancer, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.
Charity was the winner on Sunday as East Kilbride Thistle Amateurs helped raise almost £700 for Kilbryde Hospice.
The Jags and a Hospice Select played out an eight-goal thriller at K-Park and although the Hospice team suffered a 5-3 defeat on the pitch, they still emerged victorious with generous donations from spectators amounting to £683.
Thistle Amateurs struck up a partnership with the hospice in July when they chose to wear the Kilbryde Hospice logo on their home kits this season.
The connection between the club started after Thistle lost their kit in a laundrette fire in January.
William Glen, a volunteer at Kilbryde Hospice and uncle of Thistle’s manager Chris McColl, helped fund the club’s new strips with the support of brothers John and Peter Glen, so the club showed their appreciation by wearing the hospice logo on their tops.
And last week they were all delighted to go even further and raise funds for the palliative care unit at University Hospital Hairmyres.
Jags boss McColl said: “I am honoured to be associated with such a great charity which helps so many local people.
“Being a local amateur club we struggle to get any sponsorship in for tracksuits or football kits, so it’s brilliant to give something back when we do.
“Both parties will continue to work closely and try to raise as much funds and awareness as possible for Kilbryde Hospice.”
Chris Treacy scored two, while Gary Noble, Kris McSherry and Steven Oates also netted to deliver victory for the amateurs.
For further information on Kilbryde Hospice visit www.kilbrydehospice. org.uk or email fundraising@ kilbrydehospice.org.uk to find out how you can support the charity.