Sunday 25 January 2015 21:58, UK
Celtic FC Foundation, the charitable arm of Celtic Football Club, is to make a £10,000 donation in support of Fernando Ricksen, his family and Motor Neurone Disease Association Scotland.
A fundraising tribute match for the former Rangers defender, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2013, will take place at Ibrox this Sunday where a number of former Ibrox stars will be in attendance.
Nacho Novo, Ronald de Boer, Michael Mols, Jorg Albertz and Arthur Numan are among those turning out for the Dutchman who played over 250 games for the club between 2000-2006.
With health being one of our key areas of activity, we are delighted to make this donation in relation to Sunday’s match.
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: “We are pleased to be able to make a donation which will assist both Fernando’s family and MND Scotland.
"At Celtic, unfortunately we are all too familiar with MND and its devastating effects. Jimmy Johnstone, the man voted Celtic’s greatest ever player, fought bravely against this illness as did former player John Cushley, someone who gave so many years’ service to the club.
'Positive difference'
"Through Celtic FC Foundation and our wider charitable work, we are also in contact with a number of supporters who are facing this disease. We have had a long association with charities which work to tackle MND and through this event we are pleased to be able to offer our support again.
"We would like also to take this opportunity to send our thoughts and best wishes to Fernando and his family.”
Tony Hamilton, chief executive of Celtic FC Foundation, said: "Celtic FC Foundation aims to make a positive difference in areas of Health, Equality, Learning and Poverty whenever and wherever we can be of assistance.
"Celtic has been a club for all people since its formation and an inherent charitable dimension is something which has characterised our club from day one.
"We are delighted that today this ethos remains as strong as ever, with the Foundation raising and distributing over £10million in recent years and thousands of people receiving support through local, national and international initiatives.
"With Health being one of our key areas of activity, we are delighted to make this donation in relation to Sunday’s match.”
The Fernando Ricksen Tribute match takes place at Ibrox Stadium this Sunday with tickets priced at £12 for adults, £8 for concessions and £5 for kids.
