Sunday Mail (UK)

MY NOD TO RIVALS WHO HELPED DAD

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A Ki lmarnock fan wi l l suspend old rivalries this afternoon to take part in the ‘Run for Colin’ to raise funds for Ayr United’s charity.

Scott McCue will rack up the miles between Rugby Park and Somerset Park and back in memory of his late father who collapsed at the Ayrshire derby in February.

It’s his way of showing his appreciati­on to fans of the Honest Men who came to his father’s aid – but he sadly passed away.

McCue sa i d : “The marathon wi l l be from Rugby Park to Somerset Park and back again.

“This has all come about after my dad passed away on the night we both attended the Ayrshire derby.

“On the night my dad took ill on Rugby Road, we were actually walking past the away stand.

“So the first people that were down and trying to aid and help him were from the Chadwick Stand which housed the Ayr United supporters and I’ve been in touch with a couple since.

“This is a nod and a thanks to them for giving him a chance – but sadly he went downhill quickly.

“Al l donations to the justgiving fund will benefit community projects being implemente­d by the clubs

“The distance between the stadiums and back works out around the same as a marathon distance.

“So this ‘ Run For Colin’ will be a test for all of the participan­ts.

“The money raised will be split 50/50 between the

Gordon Parks

charity organisati­ons of both clubs and I hope it makes some impact to the local communitie­s.”

Ki lma rnock held a minute’s silence before a game against Dunfermlin­e last season and wore black armbands to mark the passing of a popular fan whose passed on his love of the game to his son.

Scott said: “My dad started taking me to games in 1993 when I was only 10 years old and Killie were first promoted back to the Premier League.

“Going to the football on a Saturday just became our thing, our way of bonding.

“Now there is a real void on game day and I knew I’d struggle to go back to Rugby Park but the Dunfermlin­e game changed that.

“The club were brilliant, they reached out and provided support and after the game Kyle Laf ferty handed me his match jersey.

“Football needs rivalries and I’ll always hope Ayr lose – and I’d expect their fans to hope we get hammered – but it’s a sport that also brings people together.

“My dad knew that and the countless times we’ve been to Rugby Park together, they were just the best and I wouldn’t change them.”

Scott’s justgiving. com page has now surpassed the £ 5000 mark and he’ll be accompanie­d by some of his friends on his marathon.

To donate, go to: www. justgiving.com/crowdfundi­ng/runforcoli­n2022

 ?? ?? FAMILY BOND dad Colin passed on love of Killie to Scott
FAMILY BOND dad Colin passed on love of Killie to Scott

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