Thousands raised for ex-ger Ricksen
Ricksen thanks Blantyre pub
The owner of a Blantyre pub this week announced his specially organised charity football match, in aid of Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen, had raised £41,960.
Stan Gordon, who owns the Stonefield Tavern on Glasgow Road, set up the Rangers Legends versus England Select match in Fleetwood, Blackpool, in a bid to raise funds for Ricksen’s foundation, which supports people and their families affected by motor neurone disease.
The game, which took place on Sunday, March 25, included former Rangers stars such as Jorg Albertz, Arthur Numan, Michael Mols and Barry Ferguson.
And Light Blue legions travelled in their thousands to Fleetwood Town’s Highbury Stadium for the explayers’ fixture on an emotional afternoon in support of Ricksen.
The Dutchman – who has an aggressive form of motor neurone disease – watched from the dug-out after he was given a huge ovation when he came out to meet both teams before the game, which ended 3-2 to the England Select side. Ricksen’s name was chanted during a lap of honour at full-time and, writing in the match programme, he said: “I want to thank all the fans for their support. It will be another emotional roller coaster. I am still fighting and will continue to fight.”
The Rangers favourite recently visited the Stonefield Tavern in Blantyre to meet with his fans as they launched two new football strips and marked the date of the charity game in his honour.
Stan, a Rangers fan and pal of Ricksen, was hoping to be able to present the £40,000-plus cheque to Ricksen himself, but said the 40-yearold was unable to travel to Scotland this week, and instead the cheque would be passed to Ricksen’s agent, Vincent De Vries.
Stan told the Advertiser: “I am delighted to announce I raised £41,960 for the Fernando Ricksen Foundation.
“I have spoken to Fernando, who is currently at home in Spain, and he is overwhelmed at the money raised. He thanks all the Rangers fans who once again supported him in their numbers.
“Also, I would personally like to thank John Paterson, based in Blackpool, and Fiona Desmond from London Rangers Supporters for all their help. Thanks must also go to Fleetwood Town FC, Lancashire Police and the England and Rangers players for making it a memorable day for Fernando.”
He added: “When Fernando was diagnosed with the aggressive form of MND a few years back, I decided to organise a Rangers legends game at Ibrox, which was a huge success. It has since become an annual event in aid of the Foundation and we look forward to organising the next one each year in aid of the foundation.
“The fighting spirit of Fernando Ricksen is nothing short of amazing.”