Tommy’s pals in cash tribute

A Rutherglen man who helped an Indian football team has been honoured by those closest to him.

Tommy Gray became a fundraising stalwart after a life-changing holiday to India 15 years ago.

He went on to raise thousands for causes on the sub-continent but died suddenly in May last year at the age of 58.

His pals at Chapmans Bar in Rutherglen held an event in his honour to raise even more money for causes close to his heart.

Celtic-daft Tommy was in India with his partner Pauline when he found a local watering hole called Ice and Spice.

There he got chatting to locals and found out they had a small football team who struggled by with no kit or boots, meaning they usually played in their bare feet.

Tommy made it his mission to give the town its very own Celtic and on his return to Rutherglen he asked friends if they would help with a charity event to raise funds that would allow these young people living in extreme poverty have some kit to see them through.

The regulars at Chapmans Bar helped out with a number of events which sent Celtic strips across to India.

Pauline said: “These events lasted for years, allowing us to keep giving to the young people until one year we met a young lad called Samir.

“Samir fell from a tree whilst working, resulting in a crippling back injury, so could no longer work and pay for his medical bills.

“Off Tommy went with that huge, big heart of his, making Samir’s recovery his next charitable mission.”

Tommy eventually raised enough money to help Samir and his family cope as best they could with his condition.

Pauline added: “None of these things would have been possible without the good faith and support shown to Tommy and I from everyone who knows us.”

The recent charity event at Chapmans in Tommy’s honour raise £1,440.

Tommy’s two sisters cut a handmade cake replicating the European Cup in Tommy’s memory.

Close friends Brendan Conway, Jamie McMullen and Eddie Donnelly organised the event and could not believe the response from people.

Jamie said: “A fantastic night was had by all and all the money raised will go towards Tommy’s charities chosen by the family.

“To remember a very close friend in this way helps ease the pain a little as losing Tommy has left a gaping hole in all our lives.”