Fraser shows Celtic charity is on the ball
YOUNG Fraser McAlpine was born seven weeks prematurely and diagnosed with Down’s syndrome and autism.
His parents, Joanne and Ken, were told he probably would not survive.
But eight years on, Fraser is living life to the full – thanks in part to an award-winning partnership between Down’s Syndrome Scotland and the Celtic Foundation which ensures that Down’s syndrome children aren’t left out of sports.
The innovative project was so highly regarded it won the top “Heart and Soul” award, sponsored by Glasgow accountants and charity specialists Martin Aitken & Co at this year’s Scottish Charity Awards.
It captured the imagination, with 10,000 votes being cast for the partnership.
Fraser, who attends the Isobel Mair School, in Clarkston, East Renfrewshire, for children with special needs, is one of a dozen kids with Down’s who attend a weekly training session run by Celtic FC coaches at Gorbals Leisure Centre.
Every Saturday morning, the youngsters play football in a fun environment and participate in coaching sessions.
It has been an especially tough year for the McAlpine family, from Newton Mearns.
Fraser is getting great exercise and his social skills have improved. It’s lovely to see him happy
Mrs McAlpine, 43, a management accountant with East Renfrewshire Council, was diagnosed with breast cancer and had surgery, four months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiotherapy between July last year and May this year.
While she was in hospital, Fraser was admitted to Yorkhill with pneumonia.
“It was a stressful time for all the family,” she said. “But things have improved.
“Fraser was successfully treated with antibiotics and was running about in three or four days while my operation went well and I am now back at work.”
Mr McAlpine, 46, a chartered accountant, said: “Fraser loves going on a Saturday. He is getting g reat exercise, he is developing good hand-eye co-ordination, his teamwork, interaction and social skills have improved.
“It is lovely to see him happy. And for that hour we get respite – we can go off for a coffee and we have met lots of parents whose kids are also involved.”
Ewen Dyer, Martin Aitken & C o ’s c h a r i t y p a r t n e r, s a i d : “Fraser is a star. We are very proud to sponsor the “Heart & Soul” award and it was fantastic that 10,000 people voted for their favourite.
“It just shows how youngsters such as Fraser can achieve their full potential with the right support and encouragement.”