The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Pals taking to the hallowed stark’s Park turf to honour football-mad friend
Diabetes charities will benefit from funds raised
The life of a talented young footballer is to be celebrated at a charity match in Kirkcaldy this weekend.
Organisers say they are hopeful of raising awareness of diabetes after the condition claimed the life of 20-year-old Aidan Sutherland earlier this year.
Aidan, a Type 1 diabetic from the town, died just days after his birthday when he experienced a spike in his blood sugar levels.
Friends have rallied together to host the game between two local teams at the home of Aidan’s beloved Raith Rovers on Sunday.
Friend Ben Graham said a football match was the perfect way to mark his life. “Aidan’s life revolved around football. When he wasn’t playing football we would talk about it or be playing games like Fifa or Football Manager,” he said.
“He was a Raith Rovers fan so that is why we wanted to play the game at Stark’s Park.
“We are looking to sell 1,000 tickets. The support has been incredible.”
Aidan fell ill on a trip to Newcastle with friends, passing away on July 3. While he had previously experienced low blood sugar levels as a consequence of his diabetes, it is believed this was the first instance of his sugar levels spiking.
Almost 400 people turned out for his funeral in July, with a collection raising £1,000 for Diabetes UK Scotland.
An organ donor, Aidan’s family has since learned that his passing has helped to save the lives of four other people.
“If, by doing this, we save the life of one person then we will be happy,” added Ben.
Tickets, priced £5, are available from the Novar Bar or O’Connells. Children will be admitted for free. Kick-off is at 1pm with funds being donated to the Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation.