Youngsters tough it out to help out
Fitnessfundraiserinhonouroftheirformercoach
ANDREA LAMBROU
EKYC have pledged to complete a gruelling fitness fundraiser for Kilbryde Hospice in memory of a former coach.
Each member of the youth football club is taking on 100K over 30 days in support of the crisis-hit charity.
After losing one of their muchloved coaches to cancer a few years back, EKYC marked Susan Costello’s memory by laying a memorial stone within the hospice grounds at Hairmyres Hospital.
In a united effort they have now clubbed together with the aim of raising £5500 for the charity in her name.
Along with their family and friends, up to 250 kids involved in the club will walk, run, cycle, scooter or skateboard their way to 100k.
2010 coach and committee member Stewart Dunlop told the News: “EKYC have had a really strong connection with Kilbryde Hospice for a number of years now ever since the club sadly lost one of it’s fellow coaches in Susan Costello. Susan’s memory was recognised by the club by means of laying a memorial stone within the hospice grounds and the bond has grown from then on.
“Kilbryde Hospice is a vital part of our community and it goes without saying the fantastic work that it does for not only East Kilbride but all of our surrounding areas.
Given over 60 per cent of patients cared for at the hospice are East Kilbride residents and our club has over 300 players, coaches and officials we found it more pertinent than ever to do our utmost to try and help the hospice during trying and unforgiving times.”
The News kicked off its ‘Save Our Hopsice’ campaign last month in a bid to help the vital end-of-life care centre survive the coronavirus pandemic.
With losses of £300,000 since the start of lockdown and £2.9m needed annually to keep it afloat, Kilbryde needs community donations more than ever.
Since the lifeline charity launched its emergency COVID-19 Appeal there has been an overwhelming response with thousands of pounds rolling in each week.
Stewart added: “We decided to roll out a 30-day 100K challenge starting on Saturday, June 20 to all of our EKYC family and friends in which our focus is not only to raise as much money as possible for the hospice, but to also try and help our community keep as active as possible, whilst getting fitter both physically and mentally.
“Any forms of exercise are included especially for our younger kids who will also be clocking up the kilometres in their pushchairs and all include walking, jogging, running, scooting and cycling with quite a few combined team efforts incorporated.
“Our goal was to reach a grand club total of £5500 by July 20 but due to the uptake, interest, fantastic enthusiasm and wonderful club spirit we managed to reach our target on Thursday.
“But we would greatly appreciate if everyone involved kept pushing and trying their best to raise as much as possible to help this wonderful local institution.
“We are truly humbled by everyone’s generosity this far and would like to thank every single person that has helped, participated and donated in any way, shape or form because you are literally helping to prolong people’s lives, if not helping to save them.
“Best of luck to everyone taking part. If our local community notices us wearing our blue Kilbryde Hospice t-shirts or our EKYC kits then we would love and appreciate your support.”
Show your support by making a donation via justgiving.com/team/ EKYCKH
• To make a donation directly to Kilbryde’s emergency COVID-19 Appeal go to justgiving.com/ campaign/kilbrydevirtualcampaign