Footy fundraiser was all for Nicole
Robbie chose cause in memory of pal Gerard
Our stories about the family of a seriously ill Motherwell woman trying to help her tick off a bucket list have inspired a Hamilton man to contribute to the cause.
Nicole Lafferty (22) has been battling cystic fibrosis since the age of two and her referral to be put on the lung transplant list was put on hold due to her health.
Her mum Mandy Lafferty set up a Justgiving page to raise funds that will allow Nicole to fulfil her dreams.
And Robbie Wardlaw felt that he had to step in and do some fundraising.
Robbie lost his friend Gerard Falsey – who was born prematurely and was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease – in 2013. Gerard was dependent on his left lung, which later developed brittle asthma. He was told he would need to be referred for a lung transplant, and after finally receiving it in 2011, Gerard then went on to represent Britain at the European Heart and Lung Transplant Games in 2012. Sadly however, Gerard passed away the following year due to complications at the age of 31. He did a lot of fundraising and his friends wanted to continue this on his behalf. Every year since his death they have organised an event such as bungee jumping to raise money for organ donation charities.
This year however, Robbie and his friends decided to arrange a charity football match and give the proceeds to Nicole’s bucket list fund.
Robbie said: “I noticed Nicole’s appeal online and it just made perfect sense to do it for her, it was a no-brainer really.
“We knew Nicole was going through something similar to Gerard, so we got in touch with her mum Mandy and told her what our plans were.
“Everyone dug deep on the day. It was a fantastic turnout and we can’t thank the players, spectators and everyone else enough for their support.
“The day raised over £855 and we were delighted to contribute to Nicole’s bucket list.”
Nicole’s mum Mandy went along to the charity Old Firm match which was held at the Hamilton Palace Grounds, where she met with Robbie and also Gerard’s parents James and Marie.
She said:“i met James and Marie at the match and it was all very emotional. It was great to chat to Gerard’s family about what they went through and what Nicole is going through, they were really lovely people.”
Mandy also wanted to thank Robbie and his friends to choosing to donate to Nicole.
She added: “Robbie is an amazing person, so thoughtful and selfless. It’s such a lovely thing they do every year in Gerard’s name, and then to give to Nicole this year was just the loveliest thing.”
The Justgiving page has now closed, but people can still donate by Paypal at mandylafferty@gmail. com.