Former Rangers player Ally McCoist will put his television experience to good use next week as he hosts an exciting charity event in Aberdeen.
The football star will be joined by fellow ex-Scotland International Alan McInally for a sports-themed fundraising dinner in aid of two “undervalued” causes.
Teams from businesses across the north-east will battle it out across four rounds of sports trivia in a Question of Sport-style quiz on September 13.
Sportschallenge, which is organised by Simmons and Company International, has raised more than £400,000 for local charities in its six years in existence.
McCoist and McNally will guide sports fans through the fast-paced quiz to raise funds for the Grampian MS Therapy Centre and Banchory-based dementia charity Forget-Me-Not.
Money raised will go towards the Active Forget-Me-Not project, which helps individuals with dementia to continue enjoying sports and activities, while the Grampian MS Therapy Centre in Dyce will use the money to upgrade and refurbish its oxygen chamber, which is more than 35 years old.
Organisers hope this year’s event will take their fundraising total above £500,000.
Nick Dalgarno, managing director at Simmons, said: “What struck me most was that both dementia and multiple sclerosis are conditions that can happen to anyone and the effect they have on individuals and their families can be devastating.
“The Active Forget-Me-Not project allows people to reclaim a once loved sport or hobby, helping them to hold onto their interests, independence and mobility for as long as possible.
“The Grampian MS Therapy Centre is another amazing facility that is entirely funded by donations and run by two dedicated individuals.
“Its oxygen chamber helps alleviate the symptoms of those who use the facility, but it is now old and dated.
“With the nearest alternative centres being in Dundee and Inverness, its refurbishment is now urgent. Sportschallenge will ensure that local treatment continues to be available.”
Eileen Matthew, manager of the Grampian MS Therapy Centre, added: “We are also planning to set up a new oxygen room, which can be used by individuals who perhaps can’t use the chamber because they are either claustrophobic or have a cold.
“We rely entirely on donations so we were delighted to be chosen as one of Sportchallenge’s charities this year.”
Tables are still available and those looking to book a corporate package to support a local cause should visit
sportschallengeaberdeen.com/be-a-sponsor
.
