Fans raise money for Celtic FC Foundation and Hospice

Fans raise money for Celtic FC Foundation and Hospice

A group of four supporters of Celtic FC Foundation and Kilbryde Hospice have decided to take on the West Highland Celtic Way, all with the aim of raising funds for the two charities. Stevie Kilcoyne, Father Frank Dougan, Paul Wiggins and Gordon McHugh will tackle the 96-mile walk from Milngavie to Fort William.

It will be a massive challenge, but perfectly achievable for the amazing quartet of walkers who have been in training for the last couple of weeks – walking regularly and preparing their kit. They will start this strenuous trek on Thursday, September 20 by meeting at Celtic Park for a fuel-filled breakfast. They will then begin their five-day hike from Milngavie, ending on Monday September 24 in Fort William.

“You’ll never walk alone”

Ahead of the walk, each spoke of their excitement and motivations for taking on the challenge.

Stevie Kilcoyne, who has been a great supporter of both charities for a number of years said: “You’ll never walk alone… if you have charity in your heart. So, what two better charities are there than Celtic FC Foundation and Kilbryde Hospice – both of which make you proud to support and be a part of.”

Father Frank Dougan, added: “In my ministry I am privileged to see the care and love that Kilbryde Hospice can show to sick people and their families, and in fact my own mother was cared for in a Hospice in her last weeks. To do this in connection with Celtic FC Foundation is a reflection of the Christian charity that was there at the beginning of the club and is such a mark of its present identity. I am proud to play a small part in that. To be able to do all this while enjoying a wee stretch of the legs in some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland is just a bonus. It’s a pity they waited until after I agreed to tell me we’d be staying in tents!”

Public awareness of the Hospice and Foundation work

Paul Wiggins, a close personal friend of the late Donna Mortimer Ballantyne, after whom the in-patient wing at Kilbryde Hospice has been named, is keen to continue her vision. He said: “I am undertaking the West Highland Way as I want to help Donna’s vision succeed. The in-patient wing at the Hospice is named in memory of Donna after her huge contributions before she sadly passed away. By taking part in such a fantastic fundraiser, it helps raise public awareness of the great work that is carried out by both Kilbryde Hospice and Celtic FC Foundation.”

Gordon McHugh, CEO of Kilbryde Hospice was quick to highlight the generosity of his fellow walkers. He said: “I’ve been fundraising for Kilbryde Hospice for some 12 years and have met some great people along the way. I’m walking the West Highland Way with three of those great people, who have made the hospice the beneficiary of their support over many years both financially and through their valuable time. My personal motivation is to ensure that we have a hospice for all in our area who are life-limited or who have a range of terminal illnesses, together with their families. To walk 96 miles with three wonderful people will help us to continue doing this great work.”

Both Celtic FC Foundation and Kilbryde Hospice will benefit greatly from the wonderful gesture of this fantastic team effort.