Old Firm fans shine for Lucy’s Star charity
Couple vow to help other grieving mums and dads
Big-hearted Old Firm fans came together for a charity footy match in memory of a couple’s daughter who was born sleeping.
Corporal Micha e l McLeod, 27, and his wife Jillian, 28, organised the fun match to raises awareness of special cuddle cots that allow parents of stillborn babies vital moments with their little one.
The Johnstone couple were devastated when their daughter Lucy was born dead last December and have since dedicated themselves to launching a charity in her name.
Players travelled from across the UK to take part in the Old Firm game at the ON-X Linwood at the weekend, which Michael says was aimed at making more people aware of cuddle cots.
He said: “The support shown on the day was amazing.
“I want to say thank you to all the strangers, family and friends who gave generous donations.
“Al l the players thoroughly enjoyed the match, so much so that they are looking forward to our next Old Firm match, which we are going to make even bigger and better.
“For Jillian and me, it wasn’t really about how much money was collected. We are more concerned with raising awareness about cuddle cots and that’s why we have started our charity Lucy’s Star.
“We can’t thank people enough for the support so far and we can’t emphasise enough how vital these pieces of equipment are in our hospitals.
“The comfort and time they give families with their little ones is so important.”
The Rangers team won on the day and, due to the success of the match, it is likely to become an annual event. A total of £434 was raised. The couple have raise nearly £ 10,000 through Lucy’s Star, and they recently handed five cuddle cots to the staff at the Royal Alexandra Hospital’s maternity unit.
Jillian and Michael were the first family allowed to take a cuddle cot home with them from the Paisley hospital.
This allowed them to spend time with their baby girl in their own house.