BIG-HEARTED MORAY football fans have revealed that their fundraising efforts on behalf of Rangers legend Fernando Ricksen bring in a magnificent total of £27,000.
Supporters rallied when they learned the devastating news that Ricksen was suffering from motor neuron disease (MND) – and joined thousands of football fans from around the country in raising funds to help support the former star, his family, MND charities and other local groups.
The former Dutch international appeared at Elgin City’s Borough Briggs Stadium for a benefit match that attracted international stars past and present, as well as a special dinner with Ricksen the guest of honour.
Events were also a tribute to local Rangers and Elgin fan Richard ‘Ricker’ McIntosh, who suffered the same condition, who sadly died of the same condition being suffered by Ricksen.
Organiser Dougie Ross paid tribute to everyone who had helped towards the amazing final total, saying: “We would have been happy just to raise a few thousand pounds – I never expected it to reach as much as this. Nobody expected the crowds and the way people rallied around this, it was fantastic.”
Local groups to benefit from a share of the funds include The Loft in Keith, Alzheimer’s Elgin, the Elgin Pipe Band and CLAN Moray.
Tesco Elgin will distribute part of the funds to MND Scotland while a presentation will be made directly to Fernando Ricksen at half time when Rangers take on Alloa at Ibrox on November 7.