John Black fundraiser backed by Real Madrid

FOOTBALL giants Real Madrid have backed a fundraiser for a former Dundee youth footballer who is recovering from a coma.

John Black, from Blairgowrie, was taken to Ninewells Hospital following an alleged serious assault at Old Hawkhill, Dundee, in the early hours of October 8.

The 20-year-old spent more than a week in intensive care but is now recovering in hospital.

John’s sister, Jenna, had launched a fundraiser to thank the Ninewells staff who have treated him — which has already doubled its £500 target.

Now, John’s other sister, Jodie, along with Jamie Moran, Kevin Cownie and Gary Shields — all colleagues at the city’s BT centre — are set to hold a fundraising event, including an auction.

They have even managed to have the event backed by the worldfamous Galácticos, including superstar Gareth Bale.

The Madrid outfit have donated a playing shirt signed by the first team and a football that has been signed by the Welsh winger.

Dundee-born Charlie Adam has also backed the fundraiser, offering up a signed Stoke City shirt and a signed pair of his boots.

Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha has also penned a letter to John’s family and invited them to attend Ibrox for a stadium tour when he recovers.

Jodie, 22, told the Tele that the family were “blown away” by the public support for John. She said: “It just seems so surreal that so many people have offered to help. We all knew John was an amazing boy. It is nice to know that everyone else thinks the same as we do about him.

“And it’s really nice to see just how much he is respected and loved.”

John had previously been on the books at Dundee FC as a youth player — and the Dee have agreed to donate a hospitality voucher for a matchday at Dens Park and a crate of prosecco.

The BT fun day takes place on November 3.

Dolly McCabe, manager of the contact centre where John works, said: “We were all gutted that John’s been so poorly and wanted to do Main pic: John Black. Right, from top: Gareth Bale, Pedro Caixinha and Charlie Adam. something to help his family’s fundraising effort.

“A few of John’s colleagues, who’ve been missing his banter, have organised a special day of activities next Friday.

“Some of the team will be losing their hair and there will be bonus ball competitions for amazing football prizes and we’re hoping to raise as much money as possible.”

For more information on how to bid for the auction items, email jamie.moran@BT.com or kevin. cownie@BT.com.