Players are on the ball for Leighanne
Renfrewshire derby clash will aid cancer mum
A legion of kind Renfrews h i re derby supporters are scoring high in a bid to save a Renfrew mum’s life.
Leighanne Sanderson is bravely battling stage four brain cancer.
Doctors recently gave the 38-year-old a devastating diagnosis that she has two to four months to live.
But her family’s discovery of life-saving specialist treatment in Germany sparked a fundraising campaign.
Supporters of Let ’ s Get Leighanne to Germany have since raised more than £20,000 to pay for the treatment, which costs £80,000.
Next on the fundraising agenda is a charity football match organised by Paul Withers.
The student, from Erskine, told the Express: “For a couple of years I’ve been doing things for charity.
“This is the second time that I’ve arranged a charity football match.
“Hopefully we will raise lots of money.”
Kind- hearted Paul, 20, was touched by Leighanne’s story and wanted to do something to help out.
“I was in the Western Bar in Renfrew and noticed a poster about Let’s Get Leighanne to Germany,” he added.
“What really struck me was that she has a 14- year-old son Kieran. “That really got to me. “Nobody of that age should have to go through something like this with their mum.
“Our last charity match was for Cancer Research UK, so this year we’re doing it for Leighanne.”
The loyal St Mirren fan has rounded up a team of fellow supporters to play the match on Sunday.
They’ll take on a team of similar stature representing Morton with Paul’s Greenock pal, Ryan Binnie, at the helm.
Kick off is at 3.30pm at Parklea training ground in Port Glasgow.
“It should be a great day for ever yone,” Pau l added.
“We’ll have donation buckets at the entrance and each of the players have sponsor forms.
“Last year we raised more than £2,000 and 2018 is set to be bigger and better than ever.
“We’d appreciate any kind of support.”
If you would like to help out with the St Mirren and Morton supporters charity football match email Paul at pwithers14@gmail.com.
To donate directly to Let’s Get Leighanne to Germany visit www. justgiving. com/ crowdfunding/ kathleen-sanderson