Cash boost for hospice
Pupils’12-hour football match
A Blantyre teenager has raised over £2500 for St Andrew’s Hospice after organising and taking part in a gruelling 12-hour football match.
John Paul Doyle, a pupil at St John Ogilvie High School, called on friends, family and even one of his teachers to take part in the event, which was held at the Palace Grounds Hamilton between 9am and 9pm last month.
The event, which finished with a 133-68 scoreline, raised a total of £2503.25.
John Paul (16) explained: “I rallied together 22 players including my friends, teacher and some members of the Manchester United Glasgow Reds bus that I go on.
“Overall I thought the event went well, the best part was undoubtedly when the final whistle went however, as the cheer was so amazing that it gave me goosebumps. I am overwhelmed with the support we got from our friends, families and local businesses. I’d like to thank everyone who donated to this cause and a special thanks to St Joseph’s Church, Blantyre, and Manchester United Glasgow Reds Supporters Club as they handed in over £500 between them. Next year I hope to do an other event, it might be another 12 hour match or it could be something more challenging and completely different.”
John Paul and a group of his friends recently met Bruce High, Chief Executive of St Andrew’s Hospice and Miriam Watts, head of Clinical Service at the Lanarkshire-based charity to present them with his cheque.
Andy Flynn, Schools and Community Development Coordinator with St Andrew’s Hospice was delighted with the support of John Paul.
He told the Advertiser: “John Paul did an absolutely amazing job with his 12-hour marathon football match; he has shown initiative, creativity and leadership skills in organising this event and raising over £2500 for the Hospice. Remarkably he isn’t finished yet with his next challenge of climbing Ben Nevis on June 4 and planning a marathon cycle for next year.
“He has put in so much effort and is very passionate about helping raise funds for St Andrew’s Hospice helping provide essential support our patients and their families.
“Everybody at the hospice would like to say a massive thank you to John Paul, his family and friends.”
St Andrew’s Hospice is an independent charity providing care and treatment for those living with life threatening illnesses.
They are there for all the family. Providing support for loved ones and carers is a central part of their mission.
Their service is completely free of charge for the adult population of North and South Lanarkshire and the charity strive to meet the needs of all irrespective of religious, cultural or ethnic background.
For further information on the Hospice visit http://www.standrews-hospice.com/