GERS FAN IN £ 10K CHARITY BOOST
IT was a phenomenal effort to raise a phenomenal amount of cash. Rangers supporter Jim Clark is now putting his feet up for a well- earned rest after completing a marathon over three days – and smashing his fundraising target.
The 74- year- old aimed to raise £ 1872 – the year the club was founded – for Rangers Supporters Erskine Appeal ( RSEA).
But his efforts have now generated five times that at more than £ 10,000, leaving him overwhelmed by the generosity of friends, family and even strangers from social media.
Jim, from Renfrew, said: “I cannot thank those who donated enough.
“To hit over £ 10,000 shows staggering generosity from my family and friends as well as complete strangers via social media.
“I’d encourage others to help Erskine by setting a personal fundraising challenge in these unusual times. It’s a very rewarding thing to do.”
Jim, took on the 26- mile challenge to raise money for the RSEA project to buy a hybrid car for Erskine Veterans.
As a supporter of RSEA since 2007 and a Rangers season ticket holder, Jim set a target of raising £ 1872 by walking the length of a marathon.
He added: “I extended my usual local route by walking in Bishopton and Erskine, then onto the Craigmaddie Reservoir in Milngavie.
“I also walked local circuits around Renfrew before heading to Ibrox Stadium on Sunday to conclude my 26 miles.
“I am so happy that I agreed to take up this challenge for Erskine’s Veterans.”
It’s a very rewarding thing to do
Jim was joined on Sunday at Ibrox for the last mile of his walk by family, including three of his grandchildren, his wife Robina, and former soldier and 1960s Rangers legend Davy Wilson, who was delighted to lend his support.
Erskine Community Fundraising Manager Karen McAulay said: “This is a phenomenal amount raised by Jim for our Veterans and we are extremely grateful to Jim, his family and friends for contributing to this wonderful total.
“Erskine has to raise more than £ 10million each year to support our Veterans which has been particularly challenging this year due to the pandemic.
“With the generosity and commitment of our donors and supporters like Jim we will continue to provide our Veterans with the high- quality care and support services they deserve.”
Jim also said a huge thank you to everyone who supported him, sent their good wishes and to all who donated. In particular to the Dunfermline Loyal RSC ( Rangers Supporters Club); Peterhead True Blues RSC and the Keith and District True Blues RSC for matching the initial fundraising target, by donating a combined sum of £ 1872.
He added his thanks to the Brethern and Friends of Lodges Douglas 1557 and Lodge Kil Bryd 1667 in East Kilbride for their joint donation of £ 1520. Anyone wishing to follow in Jim’s footsteps can call 0141 814 4625 for a fundraising pack or check out the website at www. erskine. org. uk