Police to take on firefighters in charity football match 26/8/14
Members of Stornoway’s emergency services take to the pitch in a charity football match to raise funds for a heart charity.
Saturday’s fixture between police and fire service officers takes place at Stornoway’s Smith Avenue pitch. The game kicks off at 3pm.
Now in its seventh year, the annual event has of £12,000 for many worthwhile local charities.
This year, former Glasgow Rangers, Hearts and Scotland Footballer Dave Macpherson has been called in to manage the police team.
Funds raised from the match will go towards the leading heart charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).
The money raised will remain local in the Western Isles and used to fund specialist screenings for young people in the area as well as raising awareness of this silent killer.
Every week in the UK, 12 young (that is, aged 35 and under) people die suddenly from a previously undiagnosed heart condition. 80% of these young people have no signs or symptoms, so the only way to detect a potentially sinister cardiac abnormality is through screening.
Organiser, acting sergeant Craig Allan, said: “This year, we have decided to donate all proceeds from the match to the charity, CRY, in memory of local man, Andrew Macleod, who died from a previously undiagnosed heart condition, known as dilated cardiomyopathy, in October 2011 aged just 21.
“His sudden death devastated his family as well as the entire community but his parents, Murdo and Dolina, received great help and support from CRY so we are all delighted to be able to give something back.”
Also on the day there will be live music From Crazy Carl from Isles FM, a Burger van and Bouncy castle for the younger kids attending. There are also plans for a mini football game between Primary 2s to P4s from across the area and Dave Macpherson will be on hand to meet the kids at the event.
There will also be a charity sports auction also held to raise funds and anyone wishing to donate any items can do so by contacting Craig Allan at Stornoway police station on 101