McNamara recovers from brain injury to join in charity walk

Ex-Dundee United boss teams up with Simon Donnelly

Former Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara found the strength to team up with best friend Simon Donnelly on a charity walk almost six months after a sudden collapse at home.

Jackie, who managed United alongside assistant Simon between 2013 and 2015, joined his pal for the final leg of a month-long 300km fundraiser.

It was the 46-year-old former Scotland star’s first outing since he fell ill and was rushed to hospital with a bleed on the brain in February.

Simon, 45, decided to run each day in July for brain association Headway, which works to improve life after brain injury.

Jackie said: “Simon was raising money for two charities, one of which is very close to my heart.”

“After my accident earlier in the year Headway in Edinburgh have been an amazing source of support and inspiration… not only for me but also for all those they help who have survived a brain injury.”

Simon and Jackie are involved in the Consilium Sports Group and Headway is the Consilium Foundation’s chosen charity.

The other charity receiving cash from the fundraiser is Glasgow’s Children’s

Hospital Charity, part of the Queen Elizabeth University hospital, where Simon’s wife Gayle is a clinic assistant.

Simon, who clocked an average of 10km each day last month, said: “I’ve chipped in a pound for every one of the 300 kilometres completed.

“That – together with the monies others have contributed (standing at just over £7,000) – will be split 50:50 between the two charities.”

Jackie, who also played for Dunfermline and managed York City alongside Simon, was out walking before collapsing at his home in York on February 8.

The ex-Celtic captain and dad of three was rushed to a facility in the city before being transferred to Hull Royal Infirmary.

Support from worried fans of teams across the country flooded in as his family said he was in a critical but stable condition.

His family were warned he might not survive but after weeks in hospital he gained enough strength that he could return home.

Jackie has previously said he believes he may have died if not for his wife Samantha, adding: “I was lucky she was beside me.”

In January 2019 he returned to Scottish football as Dunfermline’s new consultant.

The defender made 33 appearances for Scotland, 79 for Dunfermline and 358 for Celtic during his playing career.

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An amazing source of support. JACKIE MCNAMARA

Simon Donnelly and Jackie McNamara took part in a walk to raise funds for Headway and Glasgow’s Children’s Hospital Charity.