Football match for cuddle cots cause

Big hearted footy fans from across the UK will pull on their boots for a charity Old Firm match in memory of a stillborn baby girl.

Corporal Michael McLeod and his wife Jillian’s were devastated when their daughter Lucy was stillborn last December.

Since then, the brave Johnstone couple have raised more than £9,000 to buy specialist equipment called “Cuddle Cots” that allow parents more time with their children should the worst happen.

Michael, 27, who has served with the Royal Regiment of Scotland for seven years, is delighted with the response for their plans for a charity football match in Linwood.

He said: “We have organised the match in memory of Lucy. We put a call out for people to take part and the response was amazing.

“We have a few friends playing, but it is mainly strangers. We have a guy coming up from Essex to play, which is fantastic.

“It should be a really good day, and we hope as many people as possible come along to support us.”

The fun match will be played at the ON-X Sports Centre in Linwood on May 21 from 1pm.

There will also be a tuck shop and hot and cold drinks will be on sale.

Michael and Jillian, 28, donated five Cuddle Cots to the maternity unit of the RAH last month through their Lucy’s Star charity.

Last weekend they raised a further £2,700 at a fundraising night at Erskine Bowling club, and another £500 after raffling a signed Rangers ball.

Jillian and Michael were the first family allowed to take a Cuddle Cot home with them from the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

This allowed the couple to spend vital hours with their baby girl in their own house.

 To donate to the cause, search Lucy’s Star on Facebook.