Brothers kick-off charity match
Caring siblings organise football game for cancer
Two Rutherglen brothers have shown their caring side by organising a charity football match – despite the oldest being just six.
Samuel and Daniel Johnston wanted to do something to help those less fortunate after Samuel learned about charity in school.
The pair then drew on their love for the beautiful game to organise a fundraising match this Saturday.
All proceeds will go the Beatson Cancer Charity and they have already smashed their £250 target, collecting £320 so far.
Samuel, 6, and Daniel, 5, are in primary two and one at Calderwood Primary respectively.
Their kind gesture has left mum, Kirsty McDougall, and dad, David Johnston, bursting with pride. Kirsty said: “Samuel’s class was learning about charities and helping others just before the Easter break.
“He came home and was telling us about it. He’s a huge football fan and kept asking if football was a charity. We said no but some people played games to raise money for charity.
“The idea just grew from there. He wouldn’t stop talking about it and then Daniel wanted to get involved.
“I’m really proud of them. They’re both really excited. They have been counting down the days.”
The family chose the Beatson because the facility had helped two family members in the past.
The boys’ granddad, Colin Johnston – who will be among the fans on Satuday – was there 11 years ago after being diagnosed with cancer.
The family has also experienced tragedy. Kirsty’s cousin, Chris McDougall, passed away from cancer at the age of 28 a year and a half ago. She said: “Samuel took it very badly.
“Both Chris and their grandad spent time at the Beatson so when they decided they wanted to help sick people we suggested the Beatson.”
The boys, who stay on Reid Street, have called on their school friends as well as pals from a football club they attend at the Stonelaw pitches.
Also helping out is grandad Colin’s work, Essential Support Services, who have paid for the hire of the park, and The Meeting Place group at Stonelaw Church who will keep fans refreshed.
Kirsty added: “Their friends have all been great, as have the parents who have all been really supportive.”
The family have set up a Just Giving page - www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/SamuelandDaniel - for anyone who wants to support the boys.