Footballers answer the call for Chris’s House
Amateur football came together on Saturday for a fundraiser in memory of former players and friends who died too soon.
Motherwell Thistle hosted the Tournament of Hope in aid of Chris’s House on Saturday at Wishaw Sports Centre.
The event was held to mark the first anniversary of the death of their former goalkeeper Paul Gerard Aiton, known as PG, at the age of just 23.
PG’S shock death came less than 18 months after the club’s former striker, 26-year-old John Fowler, died at his home in Cambusnethan in February 2017.
Thistle’s players have also had to contend with the deaths this year of friends Lloyd Welsh in February and Graham Fraser in June, with the tournament also being held in their honour.
And it was fitting that Thistle won the competition, beating EK RR on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
Club secretary Margaret Mcmillan said:“it was a brilliant day and the weather was kind to us.
“We will be totalling up the money this week but we should have raised a large amount and it was fitting that we were able to win the tournament.”
It wasn’t just about the football with a range of family-friendly activities on the day including an assault course, face painting, arts and crafts. Kids favourites Paw Patrol were also there. Margaret added:“we weren’t expecting it to get busy until the afternoon but we had people there from 11am.
“If you had asked me on Saturday about doing another one I would have said no chance but people have been asking about making it an annual event and everyone enjoyed themselves.”
See next week’swishaw Press for even more pictures from the event.